Second Method. This is rather more profitable, with less risk in lambing, and also with less consumption of winter food. It consists in buying in autumn, as above, only two ewes per acre. The fair way, however, of reckoning upon this plan will be best made upon the three acres, because six ewes will, upon the average, produce 8 lambs, which are not divisible by three, without a fraction. Then, in March, buy eight tegs (that as the last year's late lambs), at 25s. each, the wool of which is more valuable than that of ewes by 3s. per fleece. The tags will sell in autumn for 36s. per head. The account upon this second method runs thus: - Of course an inexperienced person should employ a respectable salesman in Smithfield, who will always be able to supply, when wanted, at about the above prices, though sometimes ewes are bought for 23s. each; and, if not convenient to the owner of the land to sell to his own butcher, the same salesman will sell them at 6d. per head commission, which is not deducted in the above accounts, because it can seldom happen that a butcher who is dealt with the year round will refuse to buy and give credit against his account. The above modes of stocking apply only to good land in the neighbourhood of London, particularly if it is dry and has sweet herbage. In the spring, when there is a prospect of a very abundant supply of grass, the three acres may carry nine tegs, if the ewes and lambs are in capital condition; overstocking, however, even with one head, is hazardous. On a small scale, like that in question, it is very desirable to divide the land by hurdles, so that the stock may be changed every ten days; since nothing advances sheep more rapidly than a "fresh bite," and the grass by this means is also less wasted. Sometimes six ewes in eight will have twins; and an instance even more prolific than this occurred this season in a paddock on Muswell Hill, where four Leicester ewes produced eight lambs, which sold for 27s. each. Should there be more mangold wurzel or Swedes grown than are wanted, the overplus is always extremely saleable to cow-keepers, the former from 2l. to 3l. per ton, according to the abundance or scarcity of turnips. Sheep are kept at Fortis Green, in preference to a cow, because the family is small, and, the neighbourhood abounding in farms, the supply of milk and butter is cheaper than were it the produce of the three acres, considering the constant attendance, risk, and trouble, incidental to cow-keeping; whereas sheep are very ornamental, and give no trouble worth naming.
