The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-10-05
Why Every Farmer Should Keep
Some sheen.

By Prof. Thomas Shaw.-First, because
they would help to keep the land clean.
In this respect no kind of live stock can
compare with them. Sheep win clean out
the underbrush that may grow in for
est or grove in quick order. The way is
thus paved for the introduction of a grass
covering which is better for the sheep,
or indeed, for any kind of stock than the
leaves of the twigs that previously COW
cred the land. If they have access to weeds
early in the season there is scarcely any
kind of weed that they will not eat with
avidity, and in the autumn they make ia
nous ScavangerS when permitted to CLEAN
amid the stubbles. If everyone had a
flock of sheep there would be very much
less heard about weeds
Second, because they keep up the fer
tility of the land. No class of live stock
can compare with sheep in keeping up the
fertility of the land when they may feed
on it. This Is owing to the very perfect
manner in which they distribute their
droppings, to the fact that insects do not
waste it by working in it, and to the fur
Their fact that there is but little waste
from washing. 1t lies close to the soil
and becomes incorporated with it through
the treadlng of the sheep, and If the sheep
are fed grain or oil cake when they are
on the pastures the soil will rapidly inn
prove in fertility.
Third, because a small or a moderately
sized flock can be kept without any cost
for food in summer, and with but little
cost in winter. There is more pasture
which goes to waste on nearly every
farm in the state every summer than
would keep a flock of sheep, and in win
ter the cost for food would be relatively
light as sheep pick their own living dur
ing a large portion of the year, or as
long as the ground is bare. The provid-
ing of food for sheep, therefore, is rela-
lively less than for any other class of
live stock.
Fourth, because they furnish nice,
wholesome meat for the family at any
season of the year. Those families on
the farm who have no mutton miss
what may be termed a choice luxury.
Sheep, being small, may be killed at
nearl any season of the year, and the
carcass can easily be preserved until
used. Such a mode of providing at least
a part of the meat is at once cheap
and satisfactory. Such meat would cost
but little, and in addition to its taste
fulness it is very wholesome. Those fam
lilies on the farm who once cultivate the
habit of eating mutton will not be con-
tent to again be wothiut this article of
diet.
Fifth because they are profitable
Many of our farmers seem to think that
they are not profitable, and judging by
the prices that are paid for them on the
farms. there would seem to be some truth
in the idea. But when this industry is
worked up as it ought to be it will be
different. When sheep are kept on many
farms in the same neighborhood there
will be competition among buyers as to
who shall get them. When the quality
at the same time is improved they will
bring a better price. and when they are
fed for market in the winter, they will
bring a better price still. Should buyers
then fail to come one farmer can ship
his own sheep if he has enough of them
If he has not, two or more farmers can
unite in making up a shipment. In those
better and brighter days that are ahead
sheep raising will be profitable