The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-08-02

mand for whatever kind of wool may be
grown. But the preponderance of one
kind OF sheep or another is fixed very
strictly By the conditions and necessities
prevailing in our varied agriculture
Near the markets for lambs and mutton
1t does not pay to grow wool alone, and
1T does not pay to grow mutton sheep far
away from markets, nor can good mutton
sheep or lambs be raised on grass alone.
The variations in our agriculture arising
from local and other conditions, such as
soil and the most convenient crops, are
all to be considered in choosing the kind
of sheep that may be kept with the
most profit or convenience, and In this
regard should be considered the relative
adaptation of the various breeds of sheep,
together with the demands of manufac-
lures Medium wool enters most ex-
tensively into manufactured goods, and
is the sole reliance of the country wooden
and carding mills. This is made up of
the common native feeces, the South
down, and other Down grades, and low
grade Merinos. The common sheep of
the West improved by crossing with pure
Merinos also supply this class of wool,
which is the material of which are made
cassimeres, common fannels, clothing
goods, serges, the better class of blankets,
common shawls, the coarser dress goods,
hosiery, knitted goods, felt hats of the
better kinds, gloves, coatings, and over
coatings; the coarser and poorer class Of
woods from this grade of sheep supplies
the carpet manufacture and the cheaper
kinds of clothing and felted goods. Pure
and higher grade Merinos supply the
material for delaines, cashmeres, and
other dress and fine clothing goods with
out nap; for the fine fannels, hosiery,
and undergarments; for the finest shawls
and the best goods for mems ware; also,
for mixing with shoddy for second class
goods, which carry fine face but have
"a very poor backing. The longest, fine
merino wool is used in the best ladies'
cloths and mems goods; the long, lus-
trous combing wool of the Cotswolds,
Leicesters, and Lincolns is used for
worsted goods, buntings, fringes, moreens,
alpacas mohairs, hastings, furniture
damask, reps, braids, bindings, and the
soft nubias, and shalls. Considering
that we import wool and wooden goods
to the value of $4,000, 900 yearly, or an
equivalent to about 1OO.0O0,OOO pounds
of wool, there is certainly little fear that
American farmers can go astray in keep
ing sheep or in choosing whatever kind
their circumstances or their tastes might
make the most desirable
But whatever sheep are chosen, the
lesson intended to be conveyed by the
foregoing remarks should not be ne
elected. This is, that the successful re-
suit of wool-growing depends wholly
upon the quality of the product, and
that this is directly depending at all
times and under all circumstances upon
the health and condition of the sheep.
This, OF course, is in proportion to the
carefulness and skill with which the
flock is fed, sheltered, and protected from
accident and damage. 1t matters not in
this respect what sheep are kept if they
are well kept, but it does matter if a
farmer within 100 miles of a large
market where lamb and mutton are
saleable at good price, should make the
mistake of keeping sheep wholly for their
fleece, or if the shepherd on the plains
should attempt to keep flock which re-
quires the best of shelter, and roots and
high grain feeding and will not yield
good fleece unless it is fed so light that
It's carcass is always ready for the
butcher. The right sheep in the right
place, and the right man and the Ri ht
management, comprise the test which
each one must elucidate, expound, and
practice for himself as his tastes and cir
cumstances may vary.-W. Y Times.