The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-19

growth of numerous varieties of shrubs
which are capable Of contributing large
amount Of goat feed. 1t should not be
the aim Of those who engage in the mo-
hair industry in these sections to destroy
the shrubs by overstocking the land, but
rather endeayor to preserve 1t through
judicious pasturing. These lands, which
are regarded as being of little value, can,
with goats, be transformed into revenue
producing property The climatic and
mountainous conditions Of this section
Of the state are ideal for the production OF
a fine quality of mohair, and with patient
endeavor and by intelligently utilizing the
opportunities presented, the industry will
prove very profitable to those who are
engaged in it. The field for the mohair
industry in this state is q broad one, and
when our farmers fully appreciate it's
economic Importance they will make the
state as famous for it's production Of mo-
hair as it is for the production Of wool,
flax, fruits, cereals and other agricultural
commodities. y,
No greater SANDER was ever perpe-
trated upon an agricultural section than
the aspersions that the conditions in this
state are not favorable for profitable
swine husbandry. The facts are, but
few sections have been so favored by ma
ture as has this state for swine hus-
bandry. and all the stories extolling the
hog as being the mortgage-lifter, the
rent-payer and the advance agent of
prosperity are applicable. here in their
fullest sense. Sufficient varieties Of hog
food can be produced here in abundance
except perhaps corn, which is not re-
quired for the production of high class
pork It is the very height Of folly to
suppose that hogs cannot be grown eco
nomically without corn. NO exclusive
corn growing section can compete with
western Oregon in growing hogs cheaply,
for with the crops Of clover, rape, Vetch
and alfalfa, supplemented with a small
quantity Of grain, hogs can be grown at
the minimum cost of production. With
the aid of these nutritious forage plants,
hogs are not infrequently brought to the
beginning Of the fattening period at a
cost of cents per pound, live weight,
which leaves a profit for the farmer, at
present prices, Of 81 cents per pound.
With little SKINNED milk added to the
grain the farmer can secure gain OF
one pound, live weight, for every three
or four pounds of grain fed, thus realiz-
ing, at the present price Of pork, about
9S cents bushel for his barley or wheat.
If pumpkins, understandable potatoes,
or roots enter into the ration. larger re-
turns for the grain fed will be obtained
| The risk to those who are engaged In
| the industry is appreciably less here
than it is in the corn growing states as
cholera Is practically unknown. Even
when it Is introduced it is easily sup
pressed, due to the great variety Of
healthfuI food, good water, and cool,
refreshing atmosphere, which renders the
| hog less susceptible to disease.
| The swine industry is favorable field
for profitable investment of capital and
with systems Of feeding brought in accord
with prevailing conditions, the industry
will soon be recognized as desirable one
and will rise to prominence for swelling
the assets of the farmer.
| The total value of live stock in Oregon
on June 1, 1900, was 35,054.so0. This
figure shows uninterrupted progress in
| the live stock industry for the last half
century. Returns to stockmen from their
focks and herds aggregate $4,000. 900 a
year, Of which 100000 is for animals
sold and slaughtered, $500, 900 for wool,
nohair and goat hair; $500, 900 for milk,
butter and cheese. and 100000 for
poultry and eggs.