Sheep husbandry ftirnishes occupation to the agricultural
classes during the winter season^ and thereby employs time
that would be otherwise idle. It widens the field of occupation,
of interest, and of intelligence. Secondly, there is in this country
a large area of land adapted to grazing, but not adapted to
tillage, which would be brought into profitable use through the
extension of this industry. Thirdly, sheep raising is most val-
uable as a part of a general system of associated husbandry. It
opens the way for a proper rotation of crops, and leads to the
alternate use of the land for the purposes of grazing and tillage,
and is the most effective means for preserving and increasing
the fertility of the soil. It may be said to be an essential part
of an harmonious and economic system of agriculture. It
possesses a moral as well as an immediate economic value, and
may be indirectly profitable to a people, and yet, in its imme-
diate and direct results, unprofitable to individuals. But why,
it may be asked, are not these considerations sufficient to pro-
mote, to the full limit of its utility, the extension of this in-
dustry without the aid of a protective tariff?

The farmer is governed by what appears to be his immediate
individual interest ; and this is essentially true if he be in debt,
for then he is without choice.
