Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1897-12-02
AGRICULTURAL BULLETIN.
Interesting Letters from Hancock
County Farmers.

County Farmers.
The last bulletin OF the state board of
agriculture is devoted principally to n
discussion OF sheep-raising, and contains
the following letters from Hancock coun-
ty farmers:
BLUEHILL-The sheep industry seems
to promise profitable returns in the near
future, but like every other business, it
has its periods OF depression, and while
we may take advantage of present con-
ditions II is well to remember the sdage
ain iime OF peace prepare for war" |
hardly think IT advis to do much to
encourage the business for this reason: :
Under our present laws the market will i,
to great extent, take care OF itself, and
the sheep has friends enough, SO there will
be good supply of sheep products in n
few years. IL II man Is well situated for
sheep raising and is experienced in the
business. or has a natural liking for it, it
Is we'll enough for him to go into 1t. II
not, 1t would proba be better for him
to continue in whatever business he may
be engaged in, provided he il fairly sue
cessful in 1t. In this loo tlity have found
a cross OF the Oxford and Southdown
well suited to the demands OF the local
market. Sheep that will shear fairly
good fleece and raise good sized early
maturing lamb, pay us the best. think
1t doubtful IL soiling would pay. pre-
fer to let the sheep get their living in the
pasture in summer, and feed coarse hay
aud roots In the winter, with plenty OF
good hay after lambing time. ! would
have the lambs come as early as possible,
sell them early for good prices and give
the sheep a rest in hot weather.
H. b. GRAY.
AURoRA-1 think the sheep husbandry
should be encouraged. both for the yield
-, -
dropped in March and April. Have had a
little experience in keeping sheep in
somewhat close quarters with partial
sotIing. Think plenty of food in both
summer and winter, with good comforta-
bic quarters for the latter, for success, to
be necessary. | don't think favorahiy OF
too much exposure to weather in wint er,
rs comfort has lots to do with the proti,
A. T.. MACE.
DEER IsLE-Sheep raising in this town
has nearly died out partly on account of
low prices. partly because sheep are so
troublesome. There Is no doubt but they
VIII pay IL one has money enough to
fence against them, but few farmers
think 1t worth their while as long as
OF her branches OF farming are so much
less trouble Early lambs always sell
well here and command good prices, but
wool for the past few years would hardly
pay. X. ). WARREN.
PESOBSCOT-l think sheep are the most
profitable stock to keep on farm, as the
times are. You get two returns year
from them, first the wool, then the lambs
| sold my lambs the first OF July for S32o
per head, and quite number OF them
were twins. | would have the lambs come
the first OF March, then feed the sheep u
little extra, and the lambs will, by the
time they are two weeks old, eat few
oats and some meal. Lambs raised in
this way VIII dress. by the first OF july,
have he right breeds | think the Ok
ford Downs are good enough. Sheep
want large yard in which to run in the
" inter aud u chance Where they can go
into he barn or sheep house when 1t i,
stormy. II they can have ~ chance to 20
IN and out " hen they want To, they viii
do better than to keep them in a snug
warm pen. Sheep hat have chance to
go To the salt water in the summer do
have the chance to get rock weed and
ct her stuff that grow around the shores.
One reason for having the lambs come
eariy. is that you can take care OF them
then and they Will be ready for market
early, when they Will bring from fifty
cents to one dollar more than they viii
bring later on; aud another thing, the
old sheep get fat by fatl whereas, il they
come late, the lambs Will not bring so
poor in the fall. y. +. NORTON.