Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-07-05
AGRICULTURAL.
For The Wdtchman & State Journal.


Mn. EDIToR :-tIaviug been interested for sew.
crnl years in the wool growing business, have
eagerly perused every communication on the sub
lect, which hns come under my observation. II
is well known that sheep, in northern climates
require great care and attention, especially in the
winter scaeon. The health CT the flock during
the winter, however, depends very much upon the
manner in which it is fed through the summer and
fall Sheep, that have been well fed during sum
ner and come to the barn in good flesh, are sci.
dom diseased in the winter. No farmer should
keep more stock, of any kind, than lie can keel
well.
1t is well known that half blood merino are
more robust and less subject TO disease and Of
course need much less care than full blood, OF
SnxOny and unless n fair premium is paid fur
fine wool, it is to he expected that farmers will uo
be disposed to improve their breed OF sheep.
have read the correspondence between MIR l.
A. Morril, of Lansing N. Y. aud Mr. Lawrence
of Lowell, with no small degree of interest.
ltuppears from Mr.. Lawrencc's statements that
American, or more especially New England wool
is by far the most filthy thut to market, FROM
any part of the world, even Botany Bay not OK
cepted.
acknowledge that this fact is lumatng &c
New England farmers. 1t reflects not only upon
their general character for industry, but also it in
dictates n decidedly unfavorable state of feeling
III regard TO moral honesty and integrity ! am
willing to admit that some part of the censure,
which the st dement's of Mr.. l.. implies, should
rest upon the farmer but apprehcnd that tn,
Manufacturer, indirectly at least, encourages tho
evils which it would seem to be tue design of Mr.
J.. to correot
Has the Manufacturer encouraged the WOO
grower TO put his wool in suitable condition ioi
market? Has he given information respecting
the ubject-such as the grower would not he able
TO Obtain from any other source? Has he in
strucled his agents to pay for wool in proportion
to its quality aud condition: Farmers wish TO re-
aIizc The greatest possible amount of profits from
their laborS, and if manufacturers pay nearly the
same for co arse filthy wool, ms for fine well wash
ed wool, can they expect that farmers will make
sacrifices merely Tor the reputation of growing
the best wool and preparing it for market in the
best manner? would ask have agents paid any
higher price for wool thoroughly washed tagged,
and slieared in eight or ten days after washing
and tied up with suitable cord, than for wool
which is sent to market with almost no prcpnra-
ton get no more per pound for my wool, nre-
pared for market in the manner stated above, than
those who only soak their sheep, and then let them
run twenty days huddled together, in f1ocks from
to 500, and in addition put in all the tags. They
boastngy say TO me, your are fool 10 be so nice
about your wool, get much per pound for my
wool as you do for yours. This being true
statement OF facts, is it strange that the wool is so
pleniuy MANFRED
neglcctingt TO prepare their wool for market, they
gain halt pound 10 fleece, is it TO he expected
that their wool will be put into the best condition
My sheep were formerly very fine, but could gel
no more for fleece, weighing 2 p pounds, per
pound than my neghbors, whose sheep yielded
hecces weighing pounds. Consequently, have
been induced to graduate down my breed otsheeT
instead of improving it. have stated here what
consider facts, and if these resac.s have the
manufacturers any reason to complain. When
sand and manure will sell for 30 TO 80 cts. pei
pound, is il not TO be expected That yankees will
sell il? Is it said that if farmers would improve
their wool, the market price would be raised ?
answer that one farmer has no power over his
negibor in This respect; but the manufactures
has The ability 10 improve the condition OF wool
that is carried TO market, il lie will make dis
criminnion when he purchases, between filthy anc
clean, well washed wool. What have here sta
ted respecting the price of WOOL might be SAID
with equal business relative to butter and cheese
The merchants give no adequate encouragement
for extra labor in making good butter and cheese
Were we all able TO carry our produce 10 market
it might be different, But situated as we are, WI
try TO make the most of our labor. =. p. ID.