Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1889-11-15
SOME QUESTIONS.

SOME QUESTIONS.
Editor Register-If you will allow me
space in the columns of your valuable
paper, would like to say word in re-
gard to an industry | am somewhat in
terested in, at home and abroad, namely,
Vermont sheep-farming, or, as one puts
it, the sheep that have reached so high a
grade of Improvement.
Now, although my remarks may be
somewhat pointed and the subject looked
square in the face, would not be under
stood in the least degree as belittling in
any way, shape or manner the Spanish
Merino sheep of our State.
1t does seem strange to me after toll
ing and waiting for years that some
breeder does not arouse himself enough
to ask the question, What is the cause of
all this? Has the sheep industry of the
United States dwindled to mere nothing,
or does it stand the sixth industry of the
Union? If so, why are not more of our
sheep wanted? Yes, and after years of
this high grade of Improvement, why did
not those twelve carloads of lambs,
(loaded at one station) bring but little
more, if any, than twelve carloads of
good mutton lambs. Why did the breed
ers only sell the u carloads for the West
and 5000 for Sl.50 "A head for pelters
Why did those rams that did weigh 100
to lG5 lbs. bring from 500 to 5000 for
Australian and South American markets,
while the rams that would weigh but
100 lbs. with more compact fleece and
form almost perfection, bring only 50
to $40? Why did the Whiting CORE
spondent say the sheep men were look
ing brighter now? They have made a
sale when they did not receive the price
of an early mutton lamb. know "man
wants but little here below; but, Mr..
Editor, he would want that little mighty
often when he has but eight or ten to
sell. WHY are so many of our breeders
using Shropshire rams? Useless ques-
ton, | know, but the answer is so near
at hand it will trouble no one to find it,
in the above Eyes, at the same price, also,
it saves the winter feeding). If Australia
wants our sheep, why doesn't she throw
open her doors and let them in? And
why did not she award more than three
or four premiums to pure bred Ameri-
cans, when the best flock in that section
(Boonoke) did not compete against them
and the judges greatly impressed with
the Vermont type. Why did these tif-
teen sheep (Boonoke) sell from 2l0 to
600 guneas Gan average of 800, while
Mr.. Markham only got 200 gui1eas for a
pure American ram, sold at the same
time and place; and if our sheep are so
sought after, why do not they hold them
selves up? Why this credit to one man :
If South America is pining for these
compact-deeced sheep of ours to improve
the density and covering and add to the
capacity "for profit of the sheep of that
country" why don't the boys take few
down, just enough to keep them quiet.
Mr.. Editor, will answer why the boys
do not by giving you this clipping from
my last South American paper, contain
ing the sale of twenty rams ut auction,
the true test of appreciation of any goods
put on the market
Bullrich & Co. sold yesterday 20 rams from
the well-knOwn Pioneer Cabana, MS follows:
Ten Ramboullet rains
No I45, buyer, j. Lynch for go mn,
No. ls3, buyer, F. Martinez de lHoz for 500
min.
No. 2ls, buyer, n. Eizalde for $50 mn.
No, 233, buyer, j. Villauueva for 800 MN.
No, 260, buyer, \. Stegman tor 400 MN.
No, 29,, buyer, Moras for $50 mn.
No. 80, buyer, f. NJ. de IIoz tor $50 NM
No. 461 buyer Pacheco tor 800 MN,
No. 70l, buyer, Kelly for $50 MN.
No. 334, buyer, f. NJ de Hoz for 800 MN.
Average price, 512 mn.
Ten Negrete rams