SHEEP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9904, 24 November 1893, Page 6 (Supplement)

SHEEP.

None of the exhibits were shown to advantage, but even the steady downpour of rain and the heavy, boggy ground, with the general state of discomfort produced thereby, could not prevent one observing that the Bheep were remarkably fine, and. that almost without exception they were in capital condition. Thero was a slight falling off in the number shown—the total entries this year amounting to 130 as against 14-7' at the previous show, —but the decrease was entirely in merinos, all tho other classes being about the same as formerly. In common with all other agricultural and pastoral societies throughout the colony, the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society has found that the exhibits of merinos have dwindled almost to vanishing point. When it is remembered that years ago this was the favourite breed of sheep and that there was good competition in all elapses, it does seem remarkable that in v/bat is preeminently a merino country the number of entries should be reduced to seven. This diminution is, however, but too easily accounted for by the fact that this magnificent breed has become less and less profitable. Owing to the caprice of fashion, fine woollen cloths have become to a large extent unsaleable, the demand for merino wool has greatly diminished, and the law of supply and demand—which is so inflexible and universal in its operation—has determined that low rate 3 shall rule for the wool. The demand for merino mutton is limited, and so for the present breeders are turning their attention to other, breeds. Of course when fickle fashion changes, the importance of. merinos will again become pronounced. In the meantime — judging from the specimens exhibited—there is no danger of the breed deteriorating, for better sheep have rarely been shown than those on which connoisseurs may feast their eyes in Tahuiiu Park. The other breeds of sheep are represented as to number fairly and as to quality remarkably well. Of Down sheep only Shropshire Downs are shown, there being no entries of Hampshire or Southdowns. There is a very slight increase in the number of fat sheep of good quality, with some crossbred lambs, but no other exhibits of crossbred sheep, the four classes provided in the catalogue for crossbred sheep not having a single entry.