By the last American mail two begs of the seed of some of the finest cotton grown in the United States was received here from the Deportment, of Agricultare at Washington to be forwarded to His Excellency the Viceroy of Chihli. Last summer when Mr. Denny, now Consul-General at this port, was at Tientsin, he pointed out to the Viceroy the advantages that would be likely to accrue from the establishment of a Government farm similar to that in operation in Japan, for the cultivation of wheat, rice, cotton grasses, fruits, de., but directed his atten: tion more pattioularly to the benefits of improving and increasing the wool clip of the immense flocks of sheep to be found in Mongolia, by crossing the breed with merinos. Mr. Markham, a well-known sheep-miser from the State of New York, who brought 200 merino sheep to Japan last year for the Government farm there, subsoguently came to Tientsin, Mr. Denny's suggestion, he took a trip into Mongolia and spent several weeks among the shepherds. On his return, ho had a very agreeable interview with the Viceroy, who appeared to take great interest in the enterprise. Ho was too much occupied, however, to give his personal attention' to the matter, and fr. Marklat spoke to Mr. Tong King-sing on the subject. This gentleman has taken steps to proctire sheep of the kind recommended from the United States, and. also the services of an American practical farmer, who may be expected to arrive in China at no distant date, Ho also became interested in the project for the promotion of agriculture, mentioning that ho had a Considerable area of land suitable in every way for the purpose. The cotton seed Which has just arrived for the Viceroy will probably handed over to him for planting.
The following is an extract from Mr. Denny's official report on the trade of Fiontsin and Chefoo, dated Tientsin, 31st October, 1879, which touches on the matter of improvements in sheep-breeding The territory known as Mongolia seems exceedingly well adapted to stock-raising, particularly sheep, with a climate that does not Encourage disease, and a large and extensive range comparatively free from alkali and auch tious, The alieep are healthy, and inoconse rapidly with very little care or attention, Hence there are millions of sheep Bon; from ea, top, re thie part of the Empire, and as the near epherds, who ay ina BORE, alto thie hid of moat While the sheep are small, the quality of the mutton cannot be improved, although the quantity ould easily be increased. The fleece of these sheep is very light, weighing only from one und to one. f, and coarse at that, ing mixed with It is used to good advantage by the s for making of which their tents made, as th Jive altoge Yaluo of their flocks could be greatly increased by adding a little trouble and a comparatively amall outlay of money, by crossing them with the merino, About thirty tried by the Kiachta, of cros result has been a per there being difference the a sheep and that of the origi result can be obtained with the Mongol flocks, and instead head for their wools, sy now do, they would realise at least $1 per for them, About the Ist of August last, Mr. William G. Markham, of Avon, New York, who is well known as a breeder of Guo sleep and other stock, arrived in Japan with 200 head of fine merinos for that Government. While there ho visited the Government farm, where hho saw the result of the cross of the Mongolian aheap with the merino, which was moat aatisfactory. Mr, Markham having determined to return howe by way of Europe, advised to come to Tientsin, and upon amt advised him to take a trip order to ascertain facts in re range, sheep, &e., which he to Inying the subject of improved sheep-breeding before the distinguished Viceroy at thie port. Upon his return I procured an interview for him with the Viceroy, which was @ most agreeable and satisfactory Mr. Markham is to prepare and submit to the Viceroy through this Con: figures, &., with a view to th of a Government farm, upon which fi be grown, to be interior for the improvement of flocks,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.