The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-08-09

SOUTHDOWN SHEEP.

We have a letter from well-knoWn
farmer of Winona county, asking IT the
Southdown sheep are kept on the Iowa
college farm, and for our opinion as to
their proving profitable breed for keep
ing in large or small focks on our prairie
farms.
On the college farm are kept small
hocks of American Merinos, Cotswolds
and Southdowns. With similar care the
Southdowns have taken the lead in uni
form and perfect health, rapidly OF in
crease and pecuniary profit SO far as our
observation has extended this has been
the general experience in handling small
flocks of this breed in all pal is ofthe state.
We do not know of a large flock in the
State With first class care it may be pos
sible that in hocks numbering three or
four hundred the Merinos may prove most
profitable. But the keeping of very
large flock on one farm is, at least, ques-
tionable on the score of profit or satisfac-
ton A system of mixed farming with a
small flock of sheep on each place would
soon do more in the way of creating home
independence than any number of homi-
lies on political economy or finance. The
busy hmm of wooden machinery would
soon be heard on our interior prairies, and
our pocket books would be less depleted
by the purchase of shoddy goods.
A little careful thought will enable any
ons to perceive that the Spanish proverb,
wherever the foot of sheep touches the
land is turned into gold," is far from be-
ing a myth Some of the methods of con-
version are by no means mysterious or
difficult to comprehend. The conversion
of choo,, corn and ,,rouap1ar info form,
for cheap transportation; the bountitul sup
plies of soft flannels and CLOTHS for beds
and clothing ut little felt cost; The enrich
ing and swectening of the soil on which
they feed; the destruction of noxious
weeds, bushes and brambles; the cheap
and convenient supply of healthful and
nutritious meat to take the place of salt
junk-all these are tangible conversions.
not only into gold, but into solid home
comforts.
Many will admit the desirability of
small flocks on our farms, but will urge
the want of suitable fences The South
down sheep is the easiest of all animals to
restrain and keep within the desired
bounds. The wire, rail fence, board fence
or hedge, that prairie steers would totally
disregard, will duly be respected by them,
IL wen 1ed.
The sheep mania, few years since,
with its many lamentable failures with
large focks, gave rise to a common i'm
preston that the sterile hills of New Eng
land were more valuable-acre for acre
than our fertile prairies for profitable
sheep breeding. -s.- g.. .
Conditions as to size of flock, shelter,
etc, being the same, we now know this
not to be well founded, even with the me-
rinos. The Southdowns find on our rich
prairies even more perfect conditions
maintaining the health and high condition
than on their native heaths and turnup
fields. We only need combined system
attic effort on the part of our people in or
der, in the every near future, to Introduce
the flock into every rural picture upon
our prairies, just as we see it introduced
in England and New Engldnd home pic
lures, both real and upon canvas.
TO fully realize the present importance
of this subject, let US ask where would
Old or New England stand to day on the
score of thrift and prosperity if as nearly
destitute as we are of the animals with
the golden hoof.- College Quarterly