The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-02-03
Breeds of Sheep and Their Origin.

The following paper upon "Breeds of Sheep
aud Their Origin" which is particularly valu-
able III ills historical treatment OF the subject,
was read before the State Wool Growers Asso-
citation by Hon. Robert Mitchell, of Princeton,
Iud., and In its relation to sheep husbandry, pos
sesses extraordinary interest:
Mr.. President and gentlemen Of the Indiana
paper to you upon the breeds of sheep
and their origin, of course have
to draw from many authors sheep
husbandry. In the earliest records of the
world, il Is apparent that the value of the sheep
was understood, and That the care of 1t was
among the first of human labUrs The offerings OF
gratitude made by the first human family to the
Author OF their being consisted of the first fl nit
of the ground and the hrstlings OF tue flock, and
we are specifically told thaj tine former OF these
brothers was a tlller or the ground and the latter
u keeper of sheep. Blackjack a distinguished
writer, appropriately observes that no
animal Iuure than the sheen and
none adapts itself speedily To climate
1t would almost appear that nature, convinced
of Its great utility, mad bestowed upon it con
stitutlOu 40 plant as to enable 1t to acCumuu-
date itself 10 any point in a wide scale OF ten
perature. For though it's natural situation as "A
woobeariug animal, Ike that of man, appears
to be the WINE countries, yet, with him. IL has
spread to every part OF the globe, being i'm
pressed at every change with some popularity,
alterabie only by change of situation and vary
ing, we might affirm, with the weather. Changes
oecasIoued by climates are always limited to the
fleece, horns ANA disposal of the fat, and never
which the animal depends for its station In the
scale of being, the teeth, the feet and the
digestive organs. Under such circumstances,
SAYS Garfield, 'it CaunOt he expected that we eau
the Origin of the different breeds OF sheep,
and as to the qualities and management OF any
OF the ancient breeds, we only know what is fur
nished by the Bible aud by Greek and Roman
writer's and SO meagre are the accounts which
they furnish of the different breeds, that any
thing like IA regular history of the sheep Is en-
tlrely out of the question:
rUu unNrcrtC 1,rON Or crrpt,D
As the sheep has been widely disseminated
throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and America,
and AS its young are easily tamed and its milk,
flesh and pelts were extremely valuable to man
III all ages, we may well suppose that it was one
OF the first quadruueds which was dOmesticated.
And as there is animal which contributes
more to the welfare aud comfort of man than
sheep, also there is no one which requires
more care and attention from aim.
The sheep IN II state of complete domesticatiOn
appears equally stupid II is harmless, and
seems nearly to Justify the observation of Button,
who describes it az Zone of the most
tlmid, imhecie aud contemplate OF
quadrupeds" When sheep. however, have
Hu extensive range of pasture ana
are left In considerable degree To depend
on themselves Tor food and protection, they ex
hlblt more responsibility of character. This l.
analogous to what We may observe in the human
species. by domestieation and terder care, the
sheep Ia rendered. tmbecile. so our children can