Volume 33 Item 02: James Macarthur journal of a tour through Belgium and Germany, November 1828-January 1829

produce – The flocks are kept under cover one half the year during wh time they are fed on chopped straw hay turnips &c –

Great attention necessary to keep them in equal condition so as to preserve a similarity of staple the Value of wool injured if shorn too soon or too

late – generally weans nearly 300 lambs from 300 Ewes – the twins make up the deaths In thorough bred flocks Merinos not so great Three shepherds to 1000 sheep receive about £3..15..0 pr annum wages besides their board – The breeding flock shepherds have in addition to their

wages 2d½ upon every lamb weaned – Upon 300 ewes this is about £3..5s/- pr annum in addition to his wages making in all from £7. to £8 – In Saxony & Silesia believes the expence to be greater Does not think Russia will produce more

wool than his own Manufacturers will consume – English manufacturers bought little wool last season

Sent samples of his own flock to Leeds but found he could get as good prices at home – System of washing nearly the same as our own Sheep

soacked early in the morning & washed during the heat of the day – about ten men to wash a flock of 300 – takes them four or five hours

The sheep very delicate If driven out in the dew would become rotten – In summer frequently obliged to