The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1880-04-10
HOUSEHOLD AND FARM.

The Steubenvllle o.. Wool Growers Bul
tetin says
BY estimate, $50, 100000 pounds of "domes
tic" wool will soon be put upon the market
The ball" has already opened on the Pacific
coast by the introduction of the spring clip OF
California. 1t opens with some excitement"
Last year il was described as one "wave of
excitement" from California to Ohio through
the southern states, Kentucky, and spreading
through OHIO, Indiana and then over into
Mich gan, when all at once its strength seemed
gone only to be regained later in the season
through the eastern markets, where it has been
sweeping ever since with constantly increasing
strength. In tact such an unexpected advance
IN prices from one year ago has never been
known in the wool history Of our country.
1t can scarcely be possible that history will
repeat itself this coming season, yet there are
indications of this Already in Kentucky we
hear of their unwashed woods selling for 40 to
10 cents delivered on board cars. The situa-
ton indeed presents something of the ragged
edge" view But let things come as they may
we are inclined to think that itfavors farmers
who are likely to get full prices for their wool,
although some farmers never get full prices
in their own opinion.
The Boston J0urndi If Commerce says: "Af
ter weeks of remarkable activity in the wool
trade, a comparative lull has ensuei. Manu-
facturers. after their very large purchases and
having we'll covered their contracts for goods,
are hating to look over the situation and ar.
range their plans for the future. They have
now secured very large stocks of wool ahead
and can afford Ia wait and watch the move
ments OF The markets rs the new clips come in
Prices are firmly maintained BY Dealers but a
good many have little left to sell. Stocks OF
domestic wool are much more reduced than
usual at this season. Fleeccs, especially me
dunn and fine, are very scarce"
The San Antonio Express of March 90 says
The prospects for high prices for wool con
tinue favorable, and there is little show now
for any permanent decline for a long time
though fluctuations In prices may be expected
during the latter part of the wool season. The
situation in England is very bad for English
hock masters, and the full statement Of the re
cent losses has never been given. In some
cases the ravages of the liver-rot have caused
loss of ninety per cent. of all the sheep in
certain localities This will cause no scarcity
Of wool this spring, as the pelts will be col.
lected and a larger percentage of pulled wool
will be the result, hut the effect on subsequen,
clips will be severely felt, and Australian and
other foreign woods which have formerly
sought American markets will be in great de
mand to supply the English manufacturers
Foreign woods must advance in value under
this large increased demand, and with their
advance must come u steady advance in the
price of American woods. The situation is one
full of promise for our wool growers, and they
should take extra precautions to protect their
hocks by building more shelter for them and
BY giving judiciouS feed to keep them in the
best possible condition"