THE MOUNT EDEN FLOCK.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1295, 10 February 1860, Page 3

THE MOUNT EDEN FLOCK.

We aie pleased to notice an article which appears in the "'Sydney Heiald" of the 14th ult., having reference to Mr. Rich, an old New Zealand colonist, of upwards of 18 years standing ; and whose energy and perseverance, combined with very considerable outlay of capital has in a very signal manner improved the breed of his Merino flock, and in so doing, individually advanced the interests of this Colony. We have in these columns already called attention to this gentleman's export of Rams to Sydney with the view of improving the breed in New South Wales ; which fact alone speaks volumes for the character of his flock ; but also to his importation ex " Nourmahal" of some exceedingly choice Ram» selected by Mr. Rich during hjs continent*! tour, and if we mistake not, from a very fine pure Spanish flock which ho discovered on the confines of Prussia. The one hundred and fifty five sheap which left this for Sydney during the month of December last, arrived in splendid condition, and realized from £10 to £16 per head, and it is gratifying to find that the persevering efforts of our fellow colonist has been not only recognized, but appreciated. We will quote from our contemporary on this subject: — " Mr. George Rich, for eighteen years a settler in New Zealand, and for many years the possessor of a pure merino flock, has communicated to us some important facts. He left for England in the " Salsette" in February last, and has^recently returned by the same vessel. There is, as all percons interested in this subject know, a splendid flock at Rambouillet, near Paris, belonging to the Emperor. The utmost care has for a long teries of years been bestowed upon its preservation and purity. It is now under the management of Baron Daurier. Some of the rams, we are told, are valued at £1000. Mr. Rich, having letters of introduction from the Colonial Secretary of Auckland, was, by Lord Carnaervon, introduced to the Ambassadors of England on the Continent, who facilitated his communication! with establishments abroad. "In ft letter from Baron Daurier to Mr. Rich, there are noticed incidentally some important matters in reference to the imperial flock under his care. He remarks that the magnificence of the ram would not justify its preference unleis vf© could be mire of the purity of iti blood, because in the produce, the faults of the ancestry would reappear without the high points which vrere accidental. He lays »tress, too, npoffthe importMice of preserving the purity of the Rambouillet flocks, "so aioient and precious." Baron Daurier, however, *»ks ■ whether it would be pouible for Mr. Rich to supply him with specimens of rams of beautiful conformation, bred for many generations from pure merinoi, with the wool fine, long, thickly laid "in square looks. These he states are the prinoipul Qualities to be sought for. The opinion of a judge so eminent of what thing! constitutes the highest value in even flocks of the finest breed is of some consequence to all who are engaged in pastoral pursuits, and 'still, more interesting to know that the colonies produce them. "Mr. Rich, after having corresponded with the Baron, visited the flock* of Germany — of Berlin, Leipsic, Dresden, and the surrounding pastoral distriota. The result of thii general inspection was not very satisfactory. The flocks, though possessing very fine* wool, exhibited ftebjeness of constitution ; no neleotion was therefore

made from them. He afterwards virited a pure Spanish merino flock, located on the borders of Prussia. These wore found to be of the finest description. Hitherto the proprietor had refused to sell any eweif, but at this particular time the danger of war with Franco was imminent. Troops were passing through the place for stratagetical purposes, suggested by apprehensions of war. It was therefore possible to obtain from this proprietor a large number of ewes and rams. These have been placed chiefly in Lavant Park, pait of the estate of the Duke of Bichmond. The plan intended is" to select from this flock from time to timo such as may ha adapted for exportation to the Australia* colonies. "On his return to Paris, Mr. Rich entered into an agreement with Baron Daurier to send from his New Zealand flock a sufficient number of rams for the imperial flock, the Baron being determined in this step by the superior quality of the specimens of wool submitted for his inspection, and which are now in the Crystal Palace for exhibition. "The peculiar fact to which we direct more particular attention is the growing importance of that system of exchange which is now clearly established. The superior qualities acquired -in the Australian pastures will thus be imparted to the European flocks, while the strength and purity of the original breeds will be available to us — thus constituting an important and novel tiaffic, which must in the long run improve the general resources of these colonies, as well as add to the wealth of the old world. " It is thus from small beginnings that great result? are ultimately' secured. No one imagined, when England was totally dependent upon the Spanish and German flocks, that her manufacturing industry could exist by the supply of raw materials from her own dominions. The happy enterprise of the Macarthurs, and gentlemen of the same spirit, so successful for themselves, so immensely advantageous to their fellow-colonists, and not less so to England, goes far not only to place the manufacturers at home in a state of independence of the flockmasters of the Continent, but also to enable us to restore to foreign countries those advantages once derived from them, against their will, and which we are so happy to reciprocate — Free trade is a grand truth !"