The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1890-07-13
UTAH'S LITTLE LAMB
Something about the Wool Inter-
ests of 1890.
14,5OO,OOO POUNDS ARE SHARED.
By Means of Cheaper Rates the Shipments are
Large-Some Very Large Fleeces-
Prices Obtained.

Although nothing more than an estimate
can be gwen at this time, it is safe to pre-
dict that the wool clip of Utah this summer
will exceed that of last season by nearly 20
per cent. and at the least, Is per cent.
Shearing is still going on, and the fleeces
are said to be magnificent. The railroads
report increased shipments and the buyers
assert that there is considerably more
being offered than last year
Lastwinter was rathera severe one in the
wool growing territories and in many To-
calities sheep suffered very much. But as
in many other things, Utah exels and by
reason of its topography, the focks which
grazed in the valleys did not experience the
rough weather of other territories. Utah's
valleys nearly all face toward the south
and the warm winds from the Gulf of Cal
ifornia soften the, what would otherwise
be, harsh climate. In consequence, while
ranchmen in Wyoming, Montana and
Western Colorado have been losing money,
the Utah shepherd has reason to rejoice
because of his slight losses. The condi-
lions this spring have been very favorable
and the grazing has been excellent and the
tocks are now IN fine condition. The in
crease too has been good
The estimated number of sheep in Utah
in leS9 was 2,055, 800, and it is thought that
at the time OF taking the "sheep census''
this year, that the number will be increased
to 100000 The wool clip last year was
IL 100000 pounds or about So pounds per
sheep! This year it is thought that the
clip will be about II, 100000 pounds. Last
year the price of woel was Is cents per
pound speaking OF the entire clip. OF
course some grades brought more but that
was the average price. 1t is believed that
this years clip will average IL cents as the
quality is said to be Il trifie better. Within
the past two years better breeds have been
introduced in Utah and the quality of the
wool is nouceably improving.
AS All example OF last years clip the fol
lowing instances are given. Mr.. Charles
l.. Crane, of Har osh, the owner of mum
Der Of fine French merinos, clipped several
! ileeces which averaged 80 pounds. the low
est being 40 and the highest 81 pounds
He was seen Il few days ago, and in con
versation regarding the wool question Said
| he expected to beat the record this wear
Regarding the condition of affairs through
out the territory he said there could be NJ
doubt but that the favorable conditions oil
the past winter would enhance the wool in
terests wonderfully.
All the dealers in the city are jubilan
over the outlook, for in addition to the in
crease cut in railroad rates has beer
made which insures them largo shipments
While last year the rate via Union Paciii
to Boston was from ST. to $3.50 per on,
hundred pounds, this year it has been re
duGed to Sl.S0 This perhaps may III
measure account for the increased ship
meats thus far.
A Union Pacific official said yesterda,
that whiie he could no. speak us TO figures
the increase i'll shpments oyer last yea
was very great II. attributed this to til
modification of rates and the heavy in
crease. The dealers who purchase fror
ranchmen are buying anything they can OF
tain, and shipping as fast as possible il
order that they may get rid of their hold
ings before rates are advanced, although d
present there seems to be no good reaso
to believe they VIII be.
The estimated value of the clip thi
year will be *, 800 600, which is an impo,
tant factor in the territory's commercis
interests. The Industry is being CAREFUL
fostered and will in tune be greatly in ad
vance of what it is to day and will be on
Utah's chief resources. Great pains
being taken by the chamber Of commerC
TO OBTAIN all Information regarding til
matter, and III its next report the secretar
hopes to have very elaborate account
the wool growing interests.