Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-09-30
NEW LOCATION

nothing that is in the least deformed, or
so Objectionable as to attract the eye of
the casual observer. In the selection Of
breeding rams constitutional qualities and
fleece properties are the two grand d.
visions to be consulted. From these any
breeder may construct his ideal sheep The
putting together properly the qualities to
be used in the structure, of course. de-
termines the value of the ideal sheep that
we may so construct
An outline OF the range sheep that would
satisfy me would be. first. robust consti-
tuition. This would be indicated by a
healthy countenance, expanded nostrils,
short strong neck. well set on broad Shout
ders, a deep chest, round barrel, a strong.
broad back, quarters long and well filled
up, head short, heavy bone Of fine texture,
the legs short, straight, well spread apart,
hoofs clear in color and well shaped. In
general appearance ] would want and get,
from these properties an animal OF good
carriage. bold, vigorous style and SYM
metrical form. and body comparatively
free from wrinkles or folds.
Yin the fleece properties / would want a
strong masculine fleece. long staple. COM
bining density, strength. crimp. hneness
and trueness of fiber, evenness throughout,
freeness from gare and white. flowing
yolk or oil. The texture and evenness of
the fleece over the entire body, legs, belly,
neck and head are important qualities in
the fleece of the stock ram. And last,
but not least. this fleece must weigh not
less than twenty-five pounds at one year s
growth. and be not less than three inches
in length OF staple. and the ram at ma
| turity to weigh not less than 800 pounds
and be a smooth bodied sheep, with a
heavy flank and under fold or dew lap on
neck.
With such sheep the produce from any
ordinary flock can be raised above the
mother stock in wool production from 40
to 80 per cent the first year. This is a
paying business OF itself. but the profit
does not stop with increase In wool. These
lambs have an increased value over the
original stock which figures largely In the
gain and must be credited to the invest
ment In the ram.
How often do we see, in range focks.
half dozen different types OF sheep rep
resented in the breeding rams used. and
yet II these flock owners were asked.
What is your purpose In breeding and
handling sheep7 they would every one say:
Il am in 1t for the money there is in it.
I am not In the sheep business for my
health"
The spirit and disposition is ell right:
they desire, Of course, to breed up hocks
that will excel those OF their neighbors.
but lack the education and flock training
that is essential 10 good breeding results.
They have been captivated by the allurine
figures OF great profits in the sheep bust
ness, and have conceived the idea that a
man who has the money to buy flock
and the range TO turn II on can make
plenty OF money. All he has to do is to
see that the wolves are kept away from
them. that they are herded in grazing
season and corralied and hayed during the
winters cheap sheds. common care and a
double revenue. wool and lambs" Will
soon make millionaire Of the nock owner
Must BE Properly Handled.
There is great deal Of truth IN this
dream. 1t figures out on paper better than
any live stock propos stion on earth. But
everything IL not gold that giitters. .
neither is the sheep business without its
drawbacks and Irregularities I'm matters Of
unrestTicted success and proft. The sheep
to be made profitable 10 the, Limit Of itz