Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1902-09-05
The Angora Sheep Farm.

Mr. Editor Il have Just returned from
days visit to the famous Angora Sheep
Farm, and, to me, it was not only novel
but deeply interesting scene along the
line of husbandry. The farm comprises
near 900 acres, mostly mountain ridge land,
and covered with brush peculiar to such
land. Here and there are small cleared
nelds, and occasionally patches OF glade
meadow, which are heavily fringed with
every variety OF brush and brars, very con.
spcuous among which is the hazelnut,
which grows in great profuson. It's one
side lies along the "Big York,"a poetic and
picturesque stream, widely known for its
fine bass fishing. The balance of the farm
is surrounded by an unbroken ridge OF mas.
slve mountains, whose crags mingle with
the clouds
The flock numbers 675-150 are lambs
the balance are registered, a small tag in
each ear, and imported IRON Mexico and
South America. In appearance they are not
unlike the goat, only they are more hand
some in appearance and exceedingly grace
iul and nimbe in their walk, with much
larger horns curling backwards, and this
latter arm OF defense enables them TO knock
a dog out in the first round. Indeed, you
cant get dog to go near them-all make
Tor hlm-and II their blows do not Kill, the
dog never renews the attack. They are
doclle and atfectlonate as a kitten, and with
the approach OF u storm make tor their she
tiers, but will not run or herd with our
native sheep, whilst they can climb crab
apple tree like squirrel, and will strip 1t
OF every leaf and bud in very few mo-
ments. A flock of thirty or more will soon
clean large field OF everything in the shape
OF brars, bushes and every character OF veg
etable filth.
The meat, am told, is very nutricious
and palatable, but not to compare with native
mountain mutton-which is regarded as the
finest in the world. Their value doubtless
arises from the value OF their feeces--ior
they are ever in demand. A fleece usually
averages from to 8 pounds. II IL not wool
like our sheep, bat long fine hair. Ii clipped
once year, the hair is IL 70 10 inches, aver
aging about 10 inches, aud commands from
5 to 81 per pound. II clipped twice a year 1t
is from 8 to 10 inches and brings from 40 TO
90 cents per pound. The long hair IL used
for making wigs and has a market all over
the world.
In winter they will eat any and every
thing-dcad leaves, moss, brers, whilst their
feed at their shelters is fodder, straw and
oats. Aud so easily are they managed, fed,
&c, that one man can iced and manage
flock OF u thousand. When 1t is considered
that this industry is in It's infancy the price
asked TOR these sheep 10 not hign--lor as
they increase, and the farming industry,
learn OF their value, they will command
much larger price. am told the ewes this
fall and even OF the imported, but one is 81
valuable as the other, can be bought III from
IS to $40, and the bucks at $l6.
From observation and what learned al
the time OF my visit, and inquiry Ot farmers
whom have since seen, believe II would
be pleasant and profitable branch for your
farmers To embark In. II is true that these
sheep thrive best in the mountainous coun
tries. II success here 1t must be In your
section; your land is rolling and the climate
somewhat milder, which gives an opportu'
nifty for grazing much earlier. II IL also
true, that like women, they are naturally
head strong, yet barb wire fence will stop
either.
Bass fishing in this section will soon be
at its height. In all of my rides and ram
bles | have come across numerous small en-
campments along the many streams. Only
yesterday saw one of such dimensions that
l thought at first II was u protracted meet
ing, but little of SNAKE bite" which was
inVlLingly placed around, with other similar
and more delicate "constitutionals," caused
me to abandon such q conclusion. la all
OF these encampments the parties are IRON
Pennsylvania, West Virginia and ONO, and
like all who are fond Of field and stream
sports were hospitable and courteous. They
reported foe sport, which was fully verified
by the pans of large bass to be seen Ia the
cooking department. Each and all Of the
encampments are under strict discipline
each man has his part. At one | found