Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1870-11-17
Wool GrO,vissg Ia Iowa.

Wool Growing In IOwa.
Two weeks ago we copied that
portion Of the essay of Thomas Nc.
Giffen, Of Fairfield, on the subject Of
wool growing in Iowa, that relates
to the location Of the sheep iarm.-
This week, we publish the portion
relating to TIE kind Of Sheep to BE- kept.
mo matter which OF the different
breeds is chosen, no more breeding
ewes-say three and tour year olds
should be bought, than will BE-
prudent to begin with;
it'nceding full stock at once, get a
large portion of wethers to put away,
as lambs are raised and ready to fill
the gaps Of sales. Never run the
risk OF overstocking the source OF
one halt Of all the losses IN the bust.
ness in this State and everywhere
else. No pains should b. spared in
selecting; if for mutton, the flock that
is easily and quickly fattened; then
breed with care, to the Development
OF muscle, meat, and int, for these all
combined with goodIy figure, make
the mutton sheep. If such cannot
be had Of good, established flocks, in
sufficient numbers to meet the de-
mand, get start, at least, OF such,
and fill up by crossing with ewes
having as near as may be, tho lead.
ing characteristics required. As tor
instances, cross the Cotswold OF 9th.
er mutton stock chosen, with some
thing near il in the shape, size, and
eating qualities. Keep clear OF all
those oily wooded animals, wrinkled
necks, steep hips, or poor backs, with
tough hides, as are deemed wised and
prudent with many, if not most Of
the wool growers, and which will -
surely misshape the lambs as they
will reproduce the oily matter OF the
strongest stock in the wool; the lambs
disgusting the butcher, the wool dis.
appointing the breeder and the man.
ufacturer. When the full bloods
have become as numerous o. is
thought best to carry through, with
the increase ot--say another year.
the grades should all be disposed of
to the butcher, SO that no one can
thereafter run any risk with them az
breeders.
II, on the other hand, the design is
to raise flock Of fine wooded sheep,
that may at almost all times com
mand just aid remunerating prices,
for fleece and carcass, obtain animals
of fair size, easy to keep and handle,
with wool of such even character
that no mistake can arise in the mind
Of Judges as to its quality or value;
covering well all parts If the, body
and legs, close and compact opening
without jar to the skin, aud SO glossy
that the silk worm will have to look
to its laurels." Have strength Of
constitution sufficient to imparl these
increase, without any diminution-
aim rather 10 increase all OF them.
Then you can say TO the wool buyer,
as he looks at your clip. ut is alike
from tod TO bottom" with truth; and
the next year, ard the next, he will
come and buy again and again, with.
out shying or jewing. The purchaser
Of sale sheep, tor stock or other pur.
poses, will not 'haggle" at taking
your own selections at good prices;
and the drover or butcher will pay
you well, on your own premis-
es, for your three and four year old
wethers, when fattened. A large pro.
portion Of wool growers consume
this kin.l of sheep in their families,
and esteem them, when killed quiet
~, not overheatcd, and properly
dressed, wholesome and profitable
food.
Avoid all .crosscs" except those
made with sheep ofknown celebrity,
tried by real breeders Of flocks noted
for clean. fine wool staple. When
crossing is needed. to keep from "in
and il breeding" be certain it will
not run You into harshness, and thus
lose that "fcel of softness," tho admi-
ration and praise Ut oil good Judges
of the article or its products.
And lastly, for those who desire
to brt ed tor Mutton and Wool, with
out Earring for the very ercelsat Of