Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-06-09
Sheep vs.. Cows.


sheep and COWS, in the Rural of Nov.
%, We did not 60 full justice to the
latter. We think, on the contrary, that
we did not do full justice to the sheep
when we stated that five coarse-wooled
sheep required the same amount OF feed
as one COW, and that seven medium
wooded or the same number Of fine
wooded sheep, could likewise be kept on
the amount of feed necessary for one
COW. We have taken the trouble to
inquire ofseveral farmers in this vicinity
also subscribers to the Rural, and they
agree with US, without an exception,
that we estimated the sheep too low
AL OF these persons keep sheep as well
as COWS. Our estimate Of $50 pounds
of butter 10 a COW is also too high, as
the average yield per COW throughout
the State of New York is lis pounds
Six coarse.wooled sheep to one cow,
and eight of medium and Of fine wool
would be nearer the actual number
The basis Of profit is also decidedly ia
favor Of the sheep, as the home market
for their productions in wool is not over
done, as is the case with COWS, and the
foreign market for our WOODEN manu-
features is extending in the most salts
factory manner. 1t has increased
within the last two or three years
several millions Of dollars. Foreign
countries are learning to appreciate the
value of the strong and well-made
American clothes besides, 1t has been
demonstrated that, notwithstanding the
cheapness Of labor on the other side of
the ocean, our manufacturers can COM
pete with those abroad, with paying
profit. This is because our machinery
is now fully equal, if not superior, 10
the foreign, and the power Is largely
that Of water, which reduces the cost
below that of coal and steam.
Our mills are capable Of dong a
larger per centage Of work or the capt.
tai INVESTED than the foreign ones, and
it only remains for the American far
mers to furnish wool enough to supply
our mills, to place this important in
dustry upon such a solid basis that Ii
may be entirely a home affair. This
is not at present the case, as millions Of
pounds Of wool are annually imported.
1t is q fortunate circumstance that
there is perfect harmony and unity Of
action between the wooden manufac-
turers and wool-growers, The former
have always been willing to make all
needful concessions in arranging tariff
schedule, so that both these interests
could be protected and sustained. They
freely express themselves as anxious 10
foster wool. growing in this country, be-
cause they believe that the material for
the support of their mills should be
drawn from our own land, as this would
establish basis of independence and
of substantial prosperity far greater than
if such material were brought from
other countries. To insure this pre-
duction, the farmers have only to know
that their investments in sheep will
pay,as there have been so many fuctua-
tons in this industry, owing to arbi-
trary changes in the protective duties
established by Congress and over-pro-
duction IN manufactures resulting in
ruinous losses, that farmers are dis.
lrustiul in this direction. The wooden
interests are now so widespread, cover
ing every portion Of our country, that
it is doubtful if the people would allow
any interference by legislation, which
would jeopardlze them. The rapidly
increasing foreign market, will prevent
any glut which will throw back upon
the country unsold goods to break
down prices and destroy the industry.
Sheep-feeding is not so much affected by
droughts and other influences OF a
similar nature as the dairy.
Our figures, showing the income from
sheep were furnished by those who had
taken no extra care Of their flocks, but
whose profits were decidedly satisfac-
tory. Messrs. Moorehouse and Classon
wintered, last winter, 38 ewes. From
them they sold 223 pounds OF wool at
80 Lee. per pounds. amounting to
e74.70. The 49, ewes produced 40
laulbs, of which they sold sc for 1925
each, making sll7. Thirteen lambs
were reserved, for which they had been
offereds5 head. making s65. This
would make a total OF s356.70. Their
sheep are grade South Downs, and
were bred from Merino ewes. The
rams used were nearly ll-bred South
Downs, but probably contained a por-
ton Of Cotswold blood, as the sheep
are larger than average South Downs.
The income on misunderstanding seven
sheep 10 a cow-would be s46.67.-
These sheep were not fed any grain,
but were wintered on hay. in summer
they ran in back lot where COWS
would not do well, as The pasture was
not rank enough. Mr.. Moorehouse has
increased bis Aock for next year to 80
eyes, and will still still further increase
them as he IS satisfied they will pay
better than COWS, although his dairy
are mostly grade Jerseys, and an ex-
cellent lot. This productive flock Of
sheep have all been bred by Mr.. Moore
house Gom common grade Menno
ewes. He has laid the foundation foI
large profit in The future on a small