PRACTICAL ADVICE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10406, 20 July 1912, Page 5

PRACTICAL ADVICE.

TO SHEEP BREEDERS. MR ERNEST SHOkT ON ROMNEYS. An interesting and iastruocive address was given by Mr Ernest Short, the wail known Romney sheep breeder, In connection with the Rangitikel A. 6c P. Winter Show at Taihape yesterday coaplbd with| a practical demonstration by means of a comparison with samples of his own stud stock, including the Argentine champion, with soma of tho poorest ram hoggets that Mr Fannin could readily find. A large number of farmers were present who took a keen interest in the address, as evidenced by the questions put to Mr SSjort. He dealt with the question of what class of sheep was best suited to the Tashspe district, painting out that what would be advisable in open country would not be satisfactory in bush districts when the wool was likely to be damaged and stained by logs. The two main points dealt with were constitution and wool production. He warned breeders of the danger of considering wool only, pointing out that the carcass must not be neglected. Mr Short thaa proceeded to emphasise the importance of tbs sira, remarking shat it was through the alee that she breed was affected, bo that go long as the sire was full-blooded and of good constitution tha matter of tho dam was of foot such great consequence. He explained t*'at inbreeding was quite permissible if proper calling sock place, and in this connection he quoted tbe advice of a farmer who made it a practice ta throw outfall ewes that eooarsd. There were, lie said, two leading features Sa judging a sheep, Tho wool which it carried and the frame on which the wool grew. The constitution of a sheep was seen at a glance by examining the appearance of the head as it was there that the constitution told. Another important point waa chat the growth of wool must not be checked, bat be ccutinucaa, so that sheep mset have a sßflknonoy of proper food. In a district like Taihaps it was advisable to breed and rear sheep quite as much for market oa for wooi, but in both these directions great improvements c-: : P.ld be made, and batter results obtained by introducing tha best strains available. Mr' Short then compared his sheep with those of Mr Fannin, polntirg out in detail tbe differences between them, both **a fo constitution and wool. He clearly explained tbe sort of wool thwt was meat favoured on the London market, and mentioned that cdjy p the ewes’ wool should be »wfcc as numerosß as on the rams. S usplss were shewn and compared, tho differences being commented on, especially with regard to Its' oalsticity. "After referring to several details that should be attended to, Mr Short expressed his readiness to aawser ary question and Incited those present to step in?a the pen cufS'handle the sheep for themselves as they would gain far more practical experience by than means than* by hearing him talk foe hours. Tb o suggestion commended itself to many. That Mr Short’s public spirit was highly appreciated was evident by tbehesrty vote of thanks and cheers accorded to him. In reply he said that his aim was to be of use to those engaged in , the Industry, as he did ko« believe in keeping any knowledge ha possessed to h'raself, and he was gratified, to know that his services might prove useful to the settlers. Mr Fannin also received a vote oi ibakca for bringing In his sheep for tbe demonstration.