The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1860-11-21

well drained. We have nothing like morasses
or swamps in the original bounds cf the Terri
tory. At first sight looking from one high
point, frequently many miles to another; it
would strike you as a mountainous country ;
vet, on discovery you find that the highest
points are on a level with the upland prairie,
and the slopes are So long and gentle, that
very often you scarcely notice. the ascent
The wide v%allies lying between, being them
selves dry and more or loss rolling.
I'd. The climate, like in all high, rolling
prairie country of great extent, is peculiar for
its clear sky, gentle breezes, and dry atmos-
phere, and highly charged with electricity. but
Our summers commence early and our winters
late. And though our winters may be said to
last three months; yet, during that time we
have many very mild, clear days, much more
like spring than winter. I have spent two win
tiers here and found them more genial than any l
ever saw in Ohio. The first was what might
be called wet, as our rivers we're high all win
ter and spring; in the second (last winter was
dry, so much so that we had neither muddy
roads nor high waters. We had some cold
days, the thermometer falling to 10 OF IL de-
grees below zero, which is cold on the open
%prairies, if the wind is strong, but such days
are unfreqaent and of brief continuance. In
the more unbroken %vallies, sheep would find
at such times pretty much all the protection
they would require, for we have very little
snow here. We have very seldom what is call
ed DRILLING rains, which as all sheep raisers
knows are the most injurious, not only to sheep
but to cattle, when they occur in the cold
months of winter or spring. 1t is not the dry
cold, but the wet cold which is so injurious
to animals generally. Our rains as general
thing are fierce while they last, and quickly
followed by a clear, calm sky.
Sd. As to pasture, there are millions of
acres lying open, yet within the organized
counties, and then extending 500 miles to the
foot of the mountains. 1t will not be necessa
ry there for a great many years to go to the
expense of purchasing lands for pasture
They are lying open, offering the richest ru-
turns to those who choose to occupy them
with their herds of sheep or cattle. Sheperds
to take care of them is all that is wanted. In
ordinary seasons, hay, in any quantities can be
cut at all points, and the sheperds should have
with them a Moving Machine for that pur-
pose, to provide against want ia a hard winter
4th. The cost of keeping the sheep, would
not amount to any more than the expenses of
those who have charge of them; and salt for
a generous supply. By an act of our Lcgisla-
ture, a copy of whichis herewith enclosed, you
will see that sheep are not subject to taxation,
nor the buildings nor pasture lands necessary
tor this we'll being. .ar a M
5th. The kind or quality of sheep, proper to
bring here must be left to the choice and taste
of the owner. AS a general thing, and for
economy's sake in the outset. L would suggest
that the ews be of good frame, and In health;
selected from common or grade hocks, accom-
panied by full-blooded Southdowns, French
Merine or Leicester rams. For wool / should
select the French Merino. But each sheep
owner will have his own views upon this mat
ter.
1 have thus hastily given you, although at
some length, such conclusions as have come
to-, based upon actual observation, hoping that
some of YOU will try the experiment, If L
should so call it, during the ceming year. ~
Very Respectfully, S. MEDARY.
An act for encouragement of Wool Growing.
Be it enacted by the Governor and Legisla-
tive assembly OF tue territory Vi IAansas
Section THAT all sheep in this Territory,
owned by citizens thereof, and all lost, fields
pasture, barns and sheds enclosed or erected
for the exclusive protection of sheep, are here
by. xempted from all taxes whatsoever.
Sec. 2-This act to take effect and be In
force from and after its passage. -. 7oi
! TSigned.1 GUSTATUS G. G0LTON,ao .
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
ISigned.1 w. W. UPDEGRAFF, ssm
't1si President of the Council.
Approved, Feb. 18th, 1860. - --sE aa' s