Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Iowa) 1861-1864, 1863-11-19
Gge yntelligenter.
WOOL RAISING AT THE WEST.


This branch of stock growing is re-
ceiving largely increased attention
throughout our Western States part
ly caused by the war, and increased
demand for wool, consequent and part
ly owing to the partial failure and
low price Of wheat, and to the fact
that pork sells low compared with
former years. In this increase OF
sheep. no hindering cause has been
found and no new enemy developed.
The present year has been remarka-
bly, wet one, and yet sheep in larger
numbers than ever before have pas
tnred the prairics in imperfect health.
Many farmers almost nnacquainted
with sheep aud wool growing have in
vested in focks the past summer. The
coming winter may prove dear Tex
perience school TO them, and cause
them to wish their money back
again.
In sheep growing there are three
distinct soarces Of profit, viz: in
crease of numbers 10y natural propa-
CATION, growth and increase in size
and weight, and annual product of
wool. The fattening of sheep for NUT
ton exclusively constitutes branch of
business by itsclft
The three OBJECTS above noted are
the chief aim of Western sheep grow
crs. The eve used in breeding should
possess as nearly as possible the
points of excellence desired in the off
spring. They should at least be one
year old. of good strong constitution,
have air, exercise, and healthy diet.
The lamb will thrive finely if the dam
is strong, healthy, and good bree-
der.t
Prairie storms are exceedingly Sc
we're on lambs. aud they require good
shelter, dry under foot. Those farmers
who have discarded swine for sheep
shonld bear in mind that hog-reeve
aud shepherd are quite separate occu-
pati"nsS The hog, though native of
IA warm climate, will thrive il well
fed. without shelter: the sheep will
suffer far more. and its increase fire.
qnently perish. The eve, healthy, well
ted and sheltered, will generally real
ize the fond hopes Of the shepherd for
increase. Growth aftcrward is natur-
al, easy. and rapid. Good health is
necessary, which requires dry pastures
and proper iood-suhjccts for study
not easily exhausted.
The annual product of wool depends
much upon the health of the sheep,
both for strength and beauty Of fiber,
and also weight of fleece
The three sources of increase above
named. closely looked after, and there
will be small chance for failure in
making sheep or wool growing a re-
munprative branch of Western hus-
bandry We have the summer range
without limit, and winter forage supe-
rior and more abunIant than any other
portion of the earth visited by us.
Let it no longer be said the prairies
are unsuited to the production of sheep
and wool Stock Journal
eCapt Swinglcy, who with the Smith
Brothers, Scotch Shepherds for a number of
years kept large flock of sheep, eleven OF
twelve hundred, We believe, thaif and three
fourths Merinol used to say that IMAM ought
b I've three years getting ready and everything
in order to keep sheep prcftdbly. We do not
know that it is quite necessary to spend that
kngth of time but We fear some Of our would
be-shepher,ls have t,een prrcipitate.
t Not necessarily. Bat where fine wool
and mutton sheep are kept on the same farm,
great watchfulless and care. ~ well AS sepa-
rate pastures are necessary, or they will mix
more particularly at this season Of the year.
! Where, from the want OF shelter or proper
feed lroots. &c ! it is inconvenieut To raise
early lambs the rams should be kept away
from the flock until after the first of Decem-
her. when the lambs will he dropped in May,
which with more genial sky there is also gen
orally good bite OF grass AT that time that
is, for sheep
The same authority quoted above says,
- II Is very nice and critical thing 10 Judge of
the condition of "A sheep in winter; one wants
TO spend much time with his flock and know
what aud how much they eat and raise one
If them off the ground every two or three
days in order To know whether they are gain
ing or losing flesh