Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1881-05-19
OUR WNEE COUNTY LETTER.
LARSED, May 9Th, 1881.

LAhSED, may SAh, AooA'
To the Editor of the Times.
have just finished shearing my rams.
They are in fine condition, and are shearing
better heeces than last season, being free
from sand and dirt, the feeces varying from
20 to 81 lbs, which is an average Of lbs
better than last year. They were fed
exclusively on German millei. rice corn
and broom corn until March LIST, when the
rio. corn and broom corn seed gave out, and
We commenced feeding Indian corn at the
rate Of one bushel to the 100 head per day +,
Continuing the millet as long rs they would
eat il.
The question has been frequently asked
me whether l thought millet was injurious
20 sheep. and especially to ewes with lamb.
ii wing had no experience in feeding ewes
on millet, l have been on the lookout for
some proofs, and think have found a good
soluiion TO the question. At Mr.. kidder,s
ranch, near the Rattle Snake, Mr.. Kidder
has fed the entire winter on miilet and corn,
and have no, seen herd Of ewes in better
condition, nor larger or Stronger lambs. The
fact il, Mr.. Kidder is a practical man and
good feeder. Although he has had no expe'
rience 10 sheep raising, be knows that sheep,
like other stock, must be fed and watered in
order TO thrive and pay profits. He supplied
hi. ewes with good strong rams. OF good age
ard condition, feeding all small ration reg
ulsrly with plenty of good, fresh well water
and nov be is resping the reward Of his good
judgment.
There are many reasons for ewes losing
lambs. such rs crowding through small gate
ways, or crowding on to each other in lhs
corral, when an attempt is made by some
burg.ing herder or owner to catch one BY
speed of foot, like dog after rabbit.
Ny observations have led me 10 the con
clusion that far more sheep have perishet
for want Of miilet and water than by havin,
100 much. l have no doubt that An over
feed Of milist il very injurious as we'll as an,
other variety Of feed would be. All kinds O
feed should be fed with caution, and tn,
feeding commence early in the fall befor
the sheep get poor and weak, by all mean
keeping it up during lambing, unles, gras
should be very good. Ewes that are sirop,
will have no trouble in coming through, an
will almost invariably own their lambs.
lam glad to zee the name Of my old frien'
Thomas Lahey mentioned in the TINES as
sheep trader, ana have no hesitation in re
commencing him TO strangers as a Teliabl
and straight forward dealer, man Of muc
experience in sheep handling; and if b
would add coed Dipping apparatus to hi
commission business he would greatly to hi
profits as we'll as to the convenience Of hi
. customers.
wouldsuegest another improvement, III
reduction Of tolls on the bridge for sheen
, Ooe-fourth OF cent would pay the count
, well, and no sheep would be evan or forded
! and would prevent 80 many making Kinsle
their headquarters. The grass on the nortl
side is much better sheep than on the south
, and much more convenient for the sheep
men and buyers.
forgot to say thst everything is booming
here. Grass and weeds are racing Sllh tn
corn and oaIs. all making good time. Tn
prospec, lie that tremendous crop of al
kinds OF produce will be raised this season
and want ~ill be known no more in tn
land, entirely running the occupation o
some. W. J. CoLv;N.