The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-02-10
SHEEP HUSBANDRY.
Business That Requires Continual and
Honest Study.

A Business That Requires Continual and
Honest Study. T.
1t is the reading man who makes the
best success in life, for he keeps up
with the progress Of the times. In
the papers he finds the steady record of
all that is being done or learned in
raising sheep and growing wool.
It is not an uncommon experience TO
find inexperienced tiockmasters in the
midst of dilemma to them, which is
no dilemma to others; and it ought
to be fact recognized by everybody
who is engaged in the business of ra,s-
ing sheep and growing wool, Or who
contemplates engaging in it, that there
are some intricacies about it. The idea
is too prevalent that sheep will take
care of themselves. Years gone by
they were largely left to do so, and as
we have often remarked, they will prob:
ably do better with less care than any
animal on the farm. But if sheep hus-
bandry is to be made really profita-
BILE business, it must be understood and
have intelligent and Industrious atten-
ton. And this, of course, must begin
with the breeding. .r>,
But while the Hockmaster can learn
much by reading with reference to this,
he can not learn everything, and it is as
important for him to know this as it is
to know that he would be benefited by
reading. There is great deal that can
only be learned by experience in almost
every business. But in sheep husbandry
there is conspicuously such IL thing as
natural adaptability, and unless
man is naturally fitted for
the business he will never be
be,a successful flockmaster. One writer
says that sit is gift of nature" and he
is largely right. But with this ''gift''
an intelligent beginning will likely re-
suit favorably. TO the vast majority Of
breeders sheep husbandry is not the nice
art that it is to the originator of breed.
Sheep are kept for the money they bring
in from year to year, and the highest
aim is to keep the flock up to stand
ard. or to improve it to an ideal stand
ard. Get such a ram, therefore, as you
want, one that is strong, and of marked
prepotency; and if you gets ram of that
character, better keep him Just as long
as possible. You will then have uni
form flock, and know what you
will have right along. II more
than one is used, aim to strengthen
the weak points of one by using the 9TH
ers according to defined system. The
subject of in-and-in breeding will likely
present itself very soon to the intelligent,
thoughtful breeder. If the system is
followed to any extent, it must be with
the utmost care,
In the selection of the eve for breed
ing purposes, it will be we'll tc select
carefully if the flock furnishes the op-
portunity. When flock is being bred
up, there is often little to choose be-
tween the ewes. They may be all poor
enough, and it is necessary to ;ake such
as we have. Short stapled, light shear
ers, OF course, are to be rejected when
there is a choice. Long necked, fiat
ribbed and leggy ewes are not at to
breed from =, if anything better can be
had. Neither breed from one with a
sharp rump. If you have eve whose
mind quarters ale very heavy as com
pared v It'll the fore-quarters, she will
make a goud breeder, Western Rural