Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-05-21
Practical Hints to Sheep Breeders
BY s. u. ROCKWELL.

To the question frequently asked US,
recently by sheep breeders-will the present
growing demand for merino sheep for the
western trade continue for any length of
time, or is it an ephemeral demand which
will shortly Ncease for want of proper
market? We reply we have no doubt that
for twenty-five years to come, land really
we think for twice that period, why not y
the steady growth aud enlargement of the
West and Southwest will continue to furnish
good market for our favorite sheep. In
states partly supplied, not one in FIVE have
bought who yet will buy, if sheep of the
right character are presented at their doors,
and easy terms Of payment offered them,
Already, within the last thirty months
seventy-cight car loads over eight thousand
head, have left our state and found their way
TO the valleys Of San Joaquin, and Sacre-
mento, and are luxuriating upon the wild
oats and rich grasses Of those fertile regions.
Hundreds have also been taken to Colorado
aud Texas. From information recently
obtained from Rev. MIR. Bent, formerly Of
Middlobury, now in Kansas and from other
reliable sources we are made to believe that
no finer country for the raising Of merino
sheep can be found than the valleys Of the
Kansas and Arkansas Rivers. Although
wool growing now gives, aHd has for the
last half century given better returns for
capital and labor than any other farm pro.
duct, yet the increase OF flooks and wool
growing in the West does not keep pace with
its increasing facilities for sheep husbandry.
ThnuaanAa nf faen
into condition las to fences and laying down
in grass) for the business, which up to this
time have been in no fit condition. This
fact alone creates, and will for many years
to come, market for all the surplus Of our
best flocks, and when in addition TO this, low
prices prevail for beef and cereals, surely
the market is enlarged and the demand
upon us is greatly enhanced. Another
fOrcible reason is found in the fact that
western sheep-breeders must have, every
other year at least, fresh supply Of the
best blood with which to promote improve.
ment and progress in breeding. This fre-
quent recurrence to the most distinguished
hocks of Vermont will continue to make
large demands upon us so long as we main
tain our distinguished reputation and pres
tge. But will not the West soon supply
itself and cut short the demand for Vermont
merinOs 2 We reply, sheep breeding is
an art 1t is attained by careful aud ex-
tensive experience, united with sound practi-
cal judgment The problem may be stated
thus; How can sheep be SO coupled as to
rule out defects and propagate excellcnces
10 their progeny?
II is simple verify 10 say that the best
Vermont breeders are in advance Of the
Western. and if wise and sound headed will
maintain it, so that we can constantly offer
them better sheep than they can procure at
home. Many a Western man starts and
runs well for time. BY land by wool de.
clines, wheat aud beef materially advance,
sheep are thrown in the shade, aud lacking
the persistency necessary 10 final success
he abandons his ideas as breeder, bsrters
of his sheep at a low price, and engages
ia that branch that just then creates the
most exc itemept
BY the time he has fairly embarked, and
made a trip or two in that direction, the
wind shifts, wheat is low, aud wool is up te
high water mark the victim of folly deeply
regrets that he parted with his sheep, aud
resolves that he will reinvest from the frs
Vermont flock that may be offered for sale
in his neighbOrhood,
From an experience Of three and a hal
years in the sale Of meriuos on tae Pacific