Volume 71: Macarthur family papers relating to wool and sheep, 1820-1936: No. 160
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[Page 160]
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the best Flocks, formerly one of their principal sources of profit, having fallen off, in greater proportion, than even the price of Wool.
One consequence of this reduction or, as regards the finest flocks, I might almost say, extinction of profit, is, that they are now considerably reduced in numbers, so as not to exceed the proportion, which the Estates, on which they are kept, will maintain.
Formerly, the proprietors kept more Sheep, than their land would feed, and purchased Fodder, to supply the deficiency. Now, they cannot afford this outlay. Thus, the quantity of very fine Wool, is diminishing, and the general improvement of the German Flocks, is not only checked, by the great diminution of the purchase of Rams from the best Flocks, but the bulk of