The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-08-31
farm aud Garden.
conducted by DIR. THOMAS POLLARD, State
Commissioner of Agriculture
Sheep Husbandry.

We give something further on the mat
ter of profits from this industry contained
in DR.. Killebrew's work on "Sheep Hus-
bandry"; the following is from an essay
from Col. Tom Crutchfeld, of Tennessee,
well-known sheep breeder:
Ny ewes are now Landing, in which
they have heretofore been very proficient.
At one time % ewes brought consecu-
lively, AZ lambs; % having twins and
the 23d triplets. In 1879, SO ewes raised
70 lambs.
Since 1866 have received for sheep
and wool sold, 1924 90
have now on hand 100 head, which
could not replace by purchase for 1900 90
Value of flock and increase from it $5474 90
1 have expended for breeding ewes
and rams e57 so
Leaving gross profit for II years. of $4,S16 so
or over go per cent per annum upon the
capital invested, supposing the same to
have been invested at the beginning,
while about one-half of it has been in
vested in the past few years.
l have said nothing as to the cost of
keeping, or the benefits derived from the
sheep, but taking one-fourth of the gross
profits, which is about 81. so per head per
annum, without giving to the sheep any
credit for benefits derived from them,
which are many, and there is still left
over 45 per cent per annum for twelve
consecutive years.
have sustained losses by dogs, by &C
cident, by theft, and by disease, the lat
ter principally with lambs-but none of
the diseases incident to European fiocks
have troubled me. With dry grounds,
proper attention to grazing and feeding,
and sailing, with shelter during incle-
ment seasons, my flock has kept quite
healthy.
do not believe such profits can be
realized upon sheep on large scale, or
even with smaller number, if the hus-
bandman relies upon the breed alone Ito
make his profts) without giving them
proper care and attention. But l am
sure that the farmer of Tennessee who
will use ordinary judgment in making
his selections, and ordinary care in hand
ling his flock, adapting the same to the
capacity of his farm, will reap greater
profit in proportion to the capital in
vested, than from any other source. His
flock will be to him better than Govern
NIT or State bonds, returning to him
AMI aally, or semi-annually if he desires
1t, coupon fleece, far exceeding in inter
estlany Government or State bond, with
no fear of Reputation constantly staring
nlnt IN the face, and with the proud con-
ISOLATION that it is the result of his own
care and attention, and not wrung from
the sweat and blood Of the toiling mil
/ lions.
And the following from D. M. Jones,
Sharon, Tennessee:
/ d. b. RaIlebrea0, Commissioner etc.:
Dear Sir,-I received your circular at
late date. In reply l will say, sheep
raising is much neglected, taking our
facilities into consideration. Permit me
TO speak a few words from experience.
Last winter (1879) was the hardest on
stock we have had for several years, and
i, personally know of flock of sheep
mat ran In the woods all winter, with
out feed or attention, but am not able
to state the loss. In May my attention
was directed to portion of said flock,
numbering ffty-two head, old sheep,
4 ewes, and wethers, with fourteen nice
young lambs, with good prospect Of
raising them, the older lambs having
died before vegetation afforded sufficient
grazing for the ewes.
i estimate the wintering on cotton
seed and crushed corn months through
the winter at rs cents each, giving them
all they will eat, in connection with rye
4 and other winter grazing.
In August last purchased one
81 pair Of sheep, of J. B. Hill,
Il franklin, which cost $500.
g then selected 80 scrub ewes
at Sl.50 each. Total cost of
u, stock, SOS 90
Wlntering SO head at 81 each 80 90
interest on $500 at 10 per cent 6 so q
-$104 so
hOst one eve from natural
III causes, one by abortion, one
& Killed by accident, one from
M castration, and two lambs
"a when three days old. Now
III on hand So head Value of
buck e1z M
n oil old ewes and IL wether
a lambs at 81 so each "a 30
4 10 eve lambs at $500 each and
20 bucks at $3.50 10 80
s& ool clipped from 80 ewes and
buck, 1919 lbs,, at 25c., 80 60
-$164 SO
Net gain, seo18