Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1889-12-18
SHEEP CULTURE IN MINNIE
sofa.
Gen. Baker. Enthusiastic Thereon, and
Relates His Own Experience.

The TRIBUNE has on several occasions
called the attention of the farmers Of
Stevens county to the matter of sheep
raising, and has published several ar
ticles on the subject by those who have
had experience in the business. But the
most comprehensive and Intelligent ar
ticle on the question that we have seen
is that of Gen. Baker, on Sheep Gull
ture in Minnesota" which we find in
the Fergus Falls Journal. 1t is dated at
coax Cliff Farm, Mankato, Dec. 2"
Although somewhat lengthy, we believe
that we cannot better occupy our
columns than to publish it entire. Gen.
Baker says: Far back in the annals OF
agriculture the sheep has been denomi-
mated the animal with golden feet. 1t is
a just tribute to its value. They Cum-
bine three distinct qualities: Food,
clothing and fertility to the soil, q three
fold value found in no other animal.
have not found anything which l raise
upon my farm more profitable in proper
ton to the cost of investment than
sheep. At present prices scarcely any
product of the farm pays, but sheep pay
best of all. therefore earnestly desire
at this time to direct my brother farmers
to the culture of sheep for profit. Hav-
ing had several years of experience in
sheep culture, let me respectfully sub
nit some suggestions.
The number kept must correspond to
the size of the farm. l carry on what
is termed "mixed farming raising
horses, cattle, sheep and hogs together
with corn, oats and clover, raising but
little grain to sell. In this group of in
forests could not get along with good,
all around results, without sheep. I
have kept my flock at from one to two
hundred, though the number could be
doubled with profit. But the size of the
flock should meet the conditions and
size of farm and other associated stock
interests if you regard profit and salts
faction. But this limited number are al
young and vigorous ewes. The flock is
carefully culled down so that no imper-
feet or old animal is left. Every eve is
expected to bring lamb or twins. The
uses of sheep on farm are many. Not
the least of these is meat. A good
lamb is the best animal flesh that can be
placed on the table. Let the farmer eat
his share of the best of his flock, and
not send all the best to the shambles. 1t
is acknowledged by physicians to be the
most healthy, and is, beyond all ques-
ton, the best summer meat in the world.
With this view, raise some of the NUT
ton breeds. Statistics show that the
consumption of mutton has doubled in
a very few years. 1t has become popu-
lar, and the increased demand insures
its culture with profit. So, for meat to
eat and meat to sell, you are warranted
in keeping sheep. Again, upon the
farm they are the foe of almost every
species of weed. They trim out the
fence corners, browse down the shrubs,
and will improve every acre of pasture
on which they are kept. If they had no
other uses than these, do not doubt
but that in many instances it would pay
to keep them.
Again, there is no animal kept upon
the farm which is SO docile, SO tractable,
30 nice and agreeable to have about you.
It is pleasure to see them, as picture,
upon the green sward. They beautify
as we'll as enrich, AS to age you can
not be too careful. Never keep sheep
beyond six; then the teeth begin to be
worn, and at seven, to drop out The
age is readily told by the front teeth, at
least up to the seventh year, and you
need not be deceived. As to breeds,
there is choice variety to choose from.
It would be Invidious to urge particu-
lar choice, for breeders have their
specialties. For myself prefer NUT
ton sheep that grows large fleece of
medium wool. The American Merinoes
received the first systematic breeding in
his country and resulted in attaining
he production of fine wool. The breed
,till maintains popularity. For one
hundred years England has been breed
ng for mutton as well as wool, and has
Produced in the various families of the
Downs suberb results. They are sym
hardy, docile and hornless, and |