Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-03-23
NEW MENICO.

y gOOu deal OF interest mas receutiy
developed in the Territory of New
Mexico. Its rapid progress in wealth
and population is making it conspicu-
Gus country for those seeking homes and
fortune in the West.
We have on our table a copy of the
Denver Tribune which gives an elabor-
ate sketch of this western territory, its
industries and opportunities, and es-
peeially of the exceptional growth and
business prosperity Of the town called
Albuquerque.
We are not so much infatuated with
the doings ia New Mexico as to think
that it is the only territory where such
thing could be done, or that with the
same class of men, the same faith, en-
ergy and effort, like results could not be
achieved even in our own State of West
Virginia, but such achievements are in
teresting from whatever locality they
are reported.
AS an instance of what that country
is doing in the sheep and cattle busi-
ness, we quote from the Tribune the
following statements which may be in
teresting to West Virginia farmers:
1t is a recognized fact that the raising OF
cattle and sheep and tine production of
wool are the most profitable Industries in
the Western country. And particularly is
this the fact in New Mexico The ranges
are covered with nutritious grass that fur.
nishes food for the animals all the year
round. Water is abundant. H. he region
about Albuquerque and southwark the
climate is mild and there is never any
loss from cold weather. And in the north
erly portions of the Territory, where the
winters are more severe, the broken mesas
and timber furnish ample protection
against the worst storms that come. Ac-
cOrding 10 the last census reports, there
were in the Territory of New Mexico TO-
600 600 sheep, and in the county OF Berna-
lilo 5000, 900. There were shipped from
Albuquerque in the year 1882, 2,500.0)0
pounds of wool, and from the Territory
so 900, 900 pounds. 1t is estimated that
the shipments from here this year
will amount TO 100000 pounds. Cattle
ana sheep all run upon the open range,
changing from one range to another-sny
confinement of the herds being unnecessa-
~, and in fact impracticable. They OF
course have to be attended TO by herders
To give some definite idea of what is done
in sheep business, take for an example a
herd of 5000 ewes. These would cost, at
present prices $l.50 per head representing
an investment OF 81 500. Ten to fifteen
rams are required to every thousand ewes
say seYenty-five rams for 5000. Half aud
end three-quarter Merino rams can be
bought here at s. each-say 1915 for seven
ty fiye rams. For eight months in the
year three herders, at q cost of SIS per
month each with board, are required. Dur
ing lambing time ten extra men are re-
quired for one month. Shearing costs 2H
cents per fleece without board and cents
with board. These figures represent the
total expenses. Now for the other side.
The increase of the herd is 80 per cent.
every year. At the very lowest estimate
1000 ewes will produce $1,000 pounds of
wool per year two shearings) and this
reckoning is made from partly improved
sheep from old Mexican stock. The wool
anti is brought in the market in inferior
condition never brings less than Is cents
per pound, and frequently brings 10 and II
cents.
All the ranchmen here who are rated at
all as in the sheep business have herds of
5000 and $4,000, and many have herds
numbering 100000 and $4,000, and when
the business is carried on so large a scale
it can readily be seen that the profits run
up into very handsome figures. tits from
this and the cattle business that the largest
fortunes have been accumulated.
For a herd of 5000 cattle a range of $780,
coo acres is needed to give them ample
moving and grazing ground. Land can be
bought in tie land grants for IS and 40
cents per acre. 1t is altogether unuecesSa-
~, however, in the present condition of
the country to buy more than a few hun
bred acres covering water. The almost uni
veTsal plan here is to have q small ranch
for headquarters and let the cattle run at
will over large area of country. Dry
cows can be bought at SIS and $50 per
head; cows with calves at SIS to $50.
Large numbers can be bought in
the Territory at these figures. For
the care of 5000 cattle ten men and
twenty ponies are required. Ponies cost
$50 to SIS. The pay Of herders is $50 to S25
and board per month. 1t may be observed
that great care should b taken to select
honest and careful men to take charge of
herds. A herd of cattle doubles its num-
Der every three years. Beef steers to s
years old bring $50 TO $40. Mr.. Lewis says
that his own experience and that of many
others has demonstrated that the cattle
business yields. after allowing for all posi-.
BILE expenses and losses, a clear profit Of p
to 30 per cent per annum, and the same in
sheep raising. He says that cattle and
sheep business is carried on here in the
most careless and reckless manner, and vet
yield them large profits. He is satisfied
that with improved methods, the introduc
ton OF better bloods, and greater care and
attention to all details, these industries can
be made to pay an annual profit OF 40 per
cent.
Mr.. Lewis owns about 10000 head OF
sheep. He makes the proposal that he will
furnish to any honest experienced aud in
dustrious American any number of ewes
from 1000 up to 10000 on the condition
that he (Lewis) shall receive two pounds of
wool per head each year; that the herd
shall be improved for three years or five
years by Merino bucks, and that at the end
OF the term Of FIVE years he shall receive an
equal number in return Ito the number
losned) of picked improved sheep, the
other party to be entitled to all the rest.
This industry has been the main avenue
to wealth and the support Of the citizens
of this Territory for the last two centuries.