The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-01-02
agricultural.
Shall we raise Wool 2

The present extreme price Of wool seems TO
act rs u stimulus to Yankee enterprise in this
line and many with true Yankee versatility
are preparing to curtsil their other branches
of farming and lend all their capital and ener-
gies to wool-growing. Now in answer TO the
question above. we would take he liberty to
satSise thar vsry f-ruaer shpsld raise III the
wool be can without varying the routine OF
profitable stock raising too much. Extremes
in any business are seldom lasting. and il is
not the part of prudence aud caution to change
too suddenly a regularly aud even moderately
profitable business for another. which from
sudden emergency or outside pressure has
come up to an extra profitable pitch. The
emergency or pressure that has inflated the
price Of wool oil of US hops will not last long
Should the war cease within year and people
return to peaceful occupations again. wool
would soon be reduced in prices. and though
II may not be reduced to so low price as it
was few years ago, for several years. ye, the
present high figures will not be sustained. So
we advise farmers not to be in hurry 10 sell
oil all their cows and all their colts and oxen
and 20 with rush into the sheep speculation.
Keep n fair balance OF stock on hand and be
no, led away with the bright vision that sheep
are to be the lord, Of the ascendant in the barn
yard ever after this. The prices Of wool and
woolens will fall with the cessation OF the
troubles which have caused the rise. We
hope that in the fall which as about TO come
they will not descend so low as we have seen
them in times past. From 1926 to 1882 the
tariff being pretty strong on foreign manuiac-
lures, wool brought ON an average 90 cents per
ID. This made woOl-growing profitable husi-
ness, and our farmers grew wool to the neglect
of improved breed of cattle and other stock.
When the decline of the tariff began in 1852,
wool began 10 decline in price from year to
year until il came down ruinously low. We
have known il down to 20 aud 20 cents per ID.
This signed the death warrant Tor many a
goodly flock. and sheep that few years be-
fore would have brought five dollars per head
were sold for 20 cents per head, and wool'grow-
ing as a regular business was given up. and
ox-raising began to be the main pursuit.
These fluctuations are bad for farmers. They
must needs come in the course of business, but
happy is he who can steer a course between
them and no, be swayed too far to either
extreme.
Tha, Maine can raise wool to advantage with
the price from 81 to so cents per lb.. every
farmer Of but even limited experiences knows.
Blu, we should 20 too strongly into this busi-
ness to the neglect Of other branches, the extra
prof, which we might obtain on wool. would
be absorbed in making up the deficiency
created by neglect Of other pursuits, as essen
;ial to comfortable living as wool. While
Therefore just aud proper attention to WOOL
growing should engage our attention, le, US
not let go any Of the other important branches
Of husbandry. Good oxen. good cows. good
horses and good swine will still be in demand
aud bring fair remuneration for the care,
labor, and expense Of raising and preparing for
market.
We would therefore take the liberty to urge
as we have ever done ths, no pains be spared
to keep up the quality and reputation of any
of the breeds Of stock and horses that have al
ready received the appreciation Of discerning
public. but also to bring up any aocks or herds
not yet up to high repu,e for usefulness and
value. to the highest point Of excellence that
good judgment. skill and industry possibly
can; and by all means see that
III. The nocu you rAlss-ths herds you keep,
"From believing bull to blsating sheep"
De best In form and best In blood,
Productive thus of CREATES, good.
Maine Farmsr.