The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-27
SHEEP RAISING IN VIRGINIA.

II has long been known to those who have
given any attention to the agricultural re-
sources of Virginia that this State was par
ticularly well adapted TO sheep culture. and
much surprise has been felt and expressed
from time to time during the last forty years
that this interest has not been carried TO the
highest pitch of development in the borders
of our Commonwealth.
Before the late war between the States,
there was strong disposition among many Of
the leading planters and farmers OF Virginia
TO encourage wool-growing not only for the
profit attending it, but also as on important
means of diversifying the productive inter-
ests of the State which was considered rs
highly advisable then as it is now by all who
are well informed as to the best agricultural
methods.
The sheep industry has languished in Viz
eina until it has reached point where 1t can
hardly be said 10 exist in respectable proper
tons. certainly not in such proportions as to
make a great impression in the general sum-
mary Of our various agricultural interests. 1t
has continued to languish in the face OF the
well recognized fact that if properly conduct
ed il can become a valuable source Of In
come and a means Of improving the character
of our soil.
There is reason 10 believe that the raising
Of sheep would, in spite of the circumstances
which have prevailed in this State since the
war. have grown to be a most important branch
of industry but for that unenlightened spirit
of the masses Of our runl population which
has led them 10 sacrifice at once any repre-
sentative in the Legislature who voted in
favor Of a dog law. We hardly know of a
more elaring instance of the harm which can
be done a State by shorisighted selfshness
than is presented in the fixed determination
of so large proportion of our country voters
to subordinate a sheep. one OF the most useful
and valuable of all animals, 10 a cur. one OF
the most worthless. if not the most worthless,
Of all
without on effective dog law it would be
very difficult in most of our country districts
to introduce sheep in large numbers unless
shepherds were provided, which would add
very considerably to the expense, besides re-
stricting very much the range of the animals
which is an important matter upon our farms
and plantations, which arc spread out over
wide spaces, allowing the amplest room for
roaming and therefore increased facilities for
obtaining u supply Of food.
With a strictly-enforced dog law there is no
reason whatever why Virginia should not
equal. if not surpass. Ohio in the extent and
value Of its wool-growing interests. II ought
TO be ono Of the leading sheep walks in the
United States, and as in this age, what ought
10 be, always signifies what will be, it Is only
question Of time for the contamination de-
sired to become contamination realized.
We arc pleased 10 observe that tho Norfolk
and Western Railroad Company is strongly
disposed to give every encouragement in its
power 10 the introduction of the sheep indus
try along the line of It's road. Let the industry
be once established upon firm footing and
its utility proven even in one part of the
State, and it will bring about n condition of
public opinion that will not rest until every
guarantee of protection, every means Of pro
motion has been assured TO those who are en-
gagged in it.
A more enlightened sentiment, We have
reason 10 believe. is springing up in our rural
/ communities with respect 70 this subject, and
we hope that this sentiment will grow so rap
/ idly that it will not DO long before the dog
law which is urgently demanded will be
| placed upon the statute books Of the Com
| ,p,uvuea1th