Breeding Stock—Mongrel Sires.

The losses sustained by the indiscriminate use of ill-bred sires of all kinds would be difficult to estimate. It would appear that the price at which the service of the animal can be procured forms the primary consideration. This is a fatal mistake, and one which there is not much excuse for, seeing that the country is now well stocked with animals of all kinds of more or less high breeding.

With regard to sheep breeding for the frozen chamber, considerable judgment is required in selecting ewes best suited for the purpose. The different classes of soil best adapted for special breeds, whether Lincolns, Leicesters, Downs or Merinos. But in every case the rams used for crossing should be pure, the first cross being generally found to produce the best results. Pure-bred rams can now be had at our ram fairs at prices within the reach of all.

Then again, who can estimate the loss inflicted on the Colony by the indiscriminate use of unsuitable stallions; I am quite aware that large sums of money have been spent by a few notable breeders in importing superior animals—animals which have left their mark wherever they have been used. Anyone who visits our annual parade of sires will see before him animals totally unsuited for improving the stock of the country. The few really good animals imported and bred in the colony only serve to give greater prominence to the defects of the others.

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Some time ago a movement was set on foot in Victoria and in Queensland, having for its object the taxing of stallions. The money so raised to be spent in procuring the service of first-class animals, to stand in certain districts at reduced rates, enabling the small farmer to secure for his mare the use of an animal otherwise beyond his reach.

As a result of the use of nondescript animals, our horse bazaars are usually stocked with "weeds" which can only command low prices. As an instance of careful breeding, if indeed any were required, I would refer you to the prices which Mr. TV. Boag's young draught stock realised, ranging from £15 to £35 per head for 18 months and two-year-olds.

I have been told by more than one stallion owner that if a tax were placed upon stallions, he would import some of the best blood he could procure.

There is a good market in India for a certain stamp of animal, but they are not to be found in New Zealand in any quantity. As you are aware, shipments have been sent to that country with varied success.

The French and German Governments to a large extent have taken the matter of furnishing suitable sires into their own hands, whereby the best blood is available at a minimum of cost.

While on the subject of sires, I would point out that the time has arrived when fresh blood in Pigs mnst be imported. Perhaps there is no animal which sooner degeneratas than the pig. It is now some years since our Government prohibited the importation of pigs under any circumstances, probably a wise course to pursue at a time when swine cholera was prevalent. Although that disease has largely abated it is never absent from the country; with proper precaution, there need be little fear. Stud animals are always selected from stud herds where the care taken to guard the animals against contagion is so great, that the risk is almost nil.