SHEEP V. CATTLE ON HUNDREDS.

North Otago Times, Volume V, Issue 95, 14 December 1865, Page 3

SHEEP V. CATTLE ON HUNDREDS.

(To the Editor of the 0 amaru Times.) Sir, — As regards cattle and sheep running on the hundreds, I am very much surprised at the ill-feeling which exists, with a certain class, against the latter. I cannot understand why sheep should not be placed on the same footing as cattle, if not befoie them. They are a much better paying animal in ever} respect, both for the owner and foi the Colony. They produce labor for the working men as shepherds, shearers, carriers, and ethers ; in fact, they open up all kinds of industiy, and supply a large and valuable export, while at the same time they furnish as muph or more animal food than cattle. Sheep will live aud do well where cattle would not. Now, when a hundred becomes over-stocked with cattle, it produces absolutely nothing but a lot of store cattle, and should pleuro-pneumonia appear, or should there be a bad season, the moitahty among them would be very great ; whereas, under similar circumstances, the sheep would always produce wool. It is my opinion, also, that sheep are a much easier stock to keep than cattle. They might be tailed during the day, and paddocked or folded at night for the purpose of manuring the land — thus they would be a souice of 'profit to the farmer every way. Cattle running at large among farmers, where timber is scarce and fences bad, become a gieat nuisance, and get into all kinds of mischief ; and if they are not dairied, but allowed to run wild, when near bush or rough country, they become quite unmanageable and useless to the owner. Of course I consider it beneficial to keep milch cows if regularly dariied. Now, Mr Editor, I consider that there are many arguments in favor of sheep, but merely wfeh to see them placed in the same position as cattle. I am a believer in free trade in all matters, not to foster one and retard the other, but to show equal favor to all. Yours, &c., Cockatoo.