The Somerset reporter., 1898-12-15
Sheep Raising In Somerset.

The following communication for Som
erset County men, appear In The bulletin
of the State Board of Agriculture relating
to sheep husbandry
ST. ALBANs-Replying to the inquiry
on sheep husbandry, Will say that our
views expressed last year, THAT the shee p
industry should be extended" are being
most emphatically endorsed by farmers,
as store sheep have not been in such de
mand for many years. In fact, they have
reached that point in price where it is a
question whether they can be bought and
kept at profit The prospect is, how
ever, much better than for several years,
and with the extremely low price which hay
brings, and the low price for pasturing as
compared with twenty years ago. farmers
are realizing that sheep will be, for a
series of years, among the most profitable
animals kept, especially on farms adapted
to them aud remote from sections where
dairy farming truck, farming or small fir, it
raising can be carried on at profit AS
to whether the whole resources of farms
should be devoted to sheep,-in most
cases, no for the majority OF farms aud
farmers are so situated that few sheep
kept in connection with other stock will
be better arrangement. both as a money
making operation and also for keeping up
the fertility of the farm Yet there are
localities where farms can be stocked very
nearly to their full capacity with sheep, as
believe, and, if taken in connection with
fruit raising, and by a judicious application
of some purchased fertilizer in connection
with the sheep dressing. the farm can be
kept up in fertility. These latter condi
tons would apply to stony. billy farms
rather than to those farms where land is
more or less fat and cayey or sandy loan
As to breeds, it depends on the size of
the hocks. Where no more than twenty
are to be kept. any of the larger breeds,
or grades from them, like Oxford Downs,
Lincolns or Cotswolds, are desirable, but
as much or more depenos on the shep.
herd and the consequent care and feed as
on the breed. believe it is best as a
rule to use thoroughbred rams or as near
xhat as can be obtained, not making the
cross marked or violent; that is to say,
would not have too much difference in the
size or even in the characteristics Of sire
an dam. My experience is that it is no
use to attempt to change the character of
the flock too suddenly Such sheep
should be kept as will produce good sell
ing lamb, and let the wool product be
secondary. There may be exceptions to
the rule where several hundred sheep are
to be kept, ut this does not apply in
Maine very frequently. Limbs fit to
market in April or Way are profitable in
mems hands who know how 10 manage
the business, and are willing TO take the
necessary care others had better arrange
for lambs to be marketed later. Shearing
in April is all right if very warm quarters
can be provided tor few days, but for
the average focks, one year with another,
sheafing the last day of May or the first
of June seems to be better. although a
cold rain at the latter period will require
the flock recently sheared to be kept
indoors. never have known any
method to prevent ticks eqeal to using
Cooper Sheep Dip" according to direc
tons. This also cures scab, although few
flocks here are troubled with that, which is
one advantage we have over the western
sheep men. Twice a day for feeding hay
consider better than three times. En-.
silage havN never fed; as between
turnips and sugar beets, should prefer
the beets, although turnips have value
when fed in connection with hay and
grain. But have had poor results with
turnips for fattening sheep as compared
with corn mixed grain. While some pre-
fer corn alone, when feeding focks OF
sheep for mutton, prefer mixed grain
mixed with corn, and would feed it
ground or whole, as the flocks will eat it
best. The feeding of sheep requires some
care and observation as well as the feeding
OF other. stock, and while they may bear
neglect with less loss than dairy cows,
they will pay finally for the little extra care
which they require. Coarse herds grass is
the poorest kind of hay have seen for
sheep, and the clover the best Hay
somewhat. even quite, weedy, if cut early,
can be fed to. sheep with more profit than
to any other animals even straw, for one
ration day, where grain is fed, will be
nearly all eaten and the coarser parts can
be used for bedding, and it will be found
an economical method of feeding flock
OF store sheep that are to lamb late.
Above all don't crowd the sheep summer OF
winter. Give them, in winter place dry
under foot. and plenty of air; feed regu.
larly and, if possible, give them access to
water each day. They will well repay
good care.
S. H. Goodwin, (Member).
EMBDEN-We have kept sheep in con.
nection with the dairy for many years, and