Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-01-08

SHALL WE KEEP UP OUR FLOCKSi
We regret the tone Of dependency which
pervades so many Of our exchanges in regard
to wool growing. Wool is down, notWith-
standing the protective tariff, and il is very
natural for men who have been receiving sixty
cents pound to look upon forty cents as poor
pay. some are reduring their hocks, and
others are soiling out entirely. A few, and
we think they are the wise ones, are taking
advantage of the low price of sheep to increase
their hocks, and be ready for the Use they
think is sure to come. The temporary depres-
sion in the wool market should not lead hock
masters to abandon their plans, and change
their stock If iavorAby situated for sheep
husbandry, they should hold on patiently, and
wait for better times. We want to see this
business put upon permanent basis, and per-
sued as steadily as beef or pork making. The
demand for it's products, mutton and wool, is
quite as steady, and as likely to increase in
the future. Nothing can be more certain than
that this nation will continue to wear WOODEN
garments, and to eat mutton, and in increas-
ing proportion as the market is better suppli-
ed with these articles. II Is not strange that
these products are cheaper than they we're last
year. Wool and mutton vary no more in price
than pork and butter. variation Of twenty
or thirty per cent. in these articles in the
course of a year is not uncommon. But far
mers ought not on that account to give up the
raising of butter and pork. If they keep on
steadily with the industry their farms are adj.
Apted to, they will be- ready for the rise when
1t comes, and make money Almost every
kind of business has its periods Of depression,
and there is no reason why sheep hnsbandry
RhOuld taHa WI -
has about touched bottom, and farmers may
look for better prices another year. There
were very large importatons Of wool and wool
en- goods during the war, and the year that
followed, in anticipation of the high tariff that
was called for. This immense importation
still affects the market Shoddy has also been
very largely used in the manufacture Of wool
en- goods, and the unlortunates who were once
taken In with this article are in temper to
cry aloud for garments made of the last clip,
fiesh spun and wove. PAntalo0ns that do not
last out half their days are not the article to
make sheep look amiable in the eyes of the
public. shoddy, we trust. has had its day,
and is bound TO the compost heap, where old
wooden garments should bring up. Another
hinderance in the way OF wool growing, the
dogs, Is likely to be removed very soon se-
yersl OF the States have efficient dog laws, and
the sheep killing ours are greatly reduced.
All that is wanted now, is steady policy on
the part of flock masters, and concert Of action
to secure national dog tax, aud to put wool
growing on as firm basis as it has in Eng. |
land. The introduction Of the middle and |
long wool sheep has greatly increased the con |
sumption Of mutton among US, and these ami. |
mails are so well appreciated that we thall |
have to raise them, il We get pay for their feel |
only. Though the present price Of mutton is
low, It cannot be very bad business TO raise
South Downs and Cots wolds, at the price
they BRING. Wesay then to the flock masters
who are planning for the future, do not be in
haste to abandon sheep hus bsndry. The aoeks