Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1862-01-10
sheep Growing.

sheep Growing.
The Dubuque Farmers Club at its
last meeting, discussed the sheep qucs-
ton somewhat at length. We give "A
portion OF the discussion, deemilg the
sui iect one Of the greatest importance
to Our State:
lion. 4. Davis said it was at this time
matter OF interest to know whether
sheep husbandry was likely 10 prove
profitable in Iowa. The kind of sheep
To be raised wonld depend somew la,
on the locality. II wool aione was con-
sldered tie source of profit, The fine
wool sheep would be the best. But
near the river, or where there Is a con-
siderable market for mutton, the large
tramed ong-wool sheep would be more
profitable. Mutton is now worth eiLh,
cents per pound in the Dubuque market,
IS higher than any o;her kind of meat.
Its adaptedness to family use is uuques-
TONED. The past year has proved, as
succeeding ones will demonstrate the
tact, that grain growing in this State is
not profitable branch of industry.
Mr. DAVIS proceeded ut some length,
ard showed that tie climate of Iowa,
the price Of wool, and the condition Of
the country made sheep-rai=ing not on
y practicable but a very reinuneratiye
business. He remark ed that sheep lajs
ing does not dCtaroatc the land as grain
growing does, as has been shown by the
grain growing districts Ct the Eastern
states. The same result will eventually
be seen here, il farmers persist in grain
culture as their principal business. lie
recommended the raising Of timothy and
red and white clover for sheep, and that
The second growth would furnish a
greater portion Of their food late in the
TALL, and even for a part oil the winter
If tuInip culture is not as practicable
here as in England for feeding sheep the
cultivation of ruta bagas, beets and car
rots, which arc easily raised and harvest
cd, would be q good substitute. Corn
seems we'll adapted as food for sheep,
aud may be fed to them in the car. lie
referred TO the advantages Dubuque
county has over the interior Of the State
ior sheep-rsisine. lie named a number
Of persons in different counties who have
succeeded well with sheep, and spoke OF
many others about to engage In that
business.
Mr.. III. S. lIcthelington remarked that
4 | aletanln - IL ,,,,,
here was Their destruction by dogs. |,
is astonishing to see the number Of
worthless dogs that are permitted to be
RAISED only Tor a nuisance TO the neigh.
bors and without the least value or pIo.
fit TO their owners or to tie community.
lie was IN favor of memoriailziug the
General Assembly to enact strong law
against dogs. similar to that Of the Wis
ccnsin Legislature. He thought this Of
great importance as an encouragement
To farmers TO commence sheep raising.
Mr.. +. X. Bisseil made some interest
ing statements in reference to his expe.
rlcnce in profits on sheep in Connecticut
lie said he found it profitable to pay
seventy cents per bushel for com to fat
ten sheep when mutton was worth -four
cents per pound, and inferred that in
consideration Of the present high price
Of that meat and the low price Of grain,
that It would be far more profitable here
He said also that wool Lad greatly in
creased in value lately, and that wool
growing is destined within few wears
to become one of the safest and most
money making branches Of business.