The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1918-08-22
WOOL FOR SOLDIERS.
Sheep Specialist from University of Maine,
College of Agriculture, to Assist Maine
Farmers to Increase the Number
of Sheep.

The United States Department of Agri-
culture the Quartermaster' Department
and the Council of National Defense have
recently authorized the statement that
the wool yield of 20 average sheep is re-
ouired for the standard equipment of the
American soldier.
During recent years we have shorn in
this country what would be equivalent to
about 10000, GOO fleeces, not any more
than enough to properly equip 2,000,0 900
soldiers.
The serious wool shortage is RESPONSE
BILE for the War Industries Board of the
Council of National Defence comman-
deering the wool clip of the United States
at fixed price, with wool Administra-
tor in charge.
In an endeavor to increase the wool
production of the country the U. S. De-
partment of Agriculture and the State
Agricultural Colleges h ave outlined very
complete program of extension work.
The Extension Service of the Univer-
sity of Maine has been very fortunate in
securing the services of DR.. L. Sherman
Cleaves as Sheep Specialist. DR.. Cleaves
is a graduate veterinarian with wide
experience in veterinary practice. He was
brought up on Maine farm where sheep
were always kept, has been for long
time and still is a sheep owner Both as
veterinarian and as farmer DR.. Cleaves
has made a careful study of sheep prob
lens
DIR. Cleayes states that never before in
the history of our nation has the outlook
for the sheep industry been brighter.
| There is real shortage of wool not only
in our country but the world over. This
coupled with an increased demand Gre
ates a situation which calls for prompt
action. At our best, it will be many
wears before we can increase our flocks
so that we can produce wool enough for
own needs. With this in mind the farmer
does not need to hesitate to make plans
for flock of sheep; fearing that in
short time the prices for mutton and wool
will have rapid decline.
! While DR.. Cleaves is urging the farmers
to take immediate action to build up their
| flocks, he also urges that precautionary
measures be observed, advising the mex
perienced man to start with small flock
and urging everyone to exercise very
great care in purchasing 1t is as neces-
sary to consider the health as it is the
breeding and the individuality. If one
starts with healthy stock, it is usually an
easy manner to keep the animals in good
good health. Disease in a flock dis
heartens the beginner and is a great
handicap to the nations program calling
for more wool.
The work in Maine is being organized
with four main lines of work:
First Organization of community
breeding associations, having for their
object the promotion and development OF
one breed or type. Cooperative market
ing of lambs and wool is also urged for
the organization.
Second-Bringing to the attention OF
the public the value of the pasture lands
of Maine for sheep grazing.
Third-Teaching methods of breeding,
feeding management and housing, also
correct methods of handling wool.
Fourth-Urging the farmers to keep all
eve lambs for breeding purposes, OF II
the ewes are to be sold that they will be
sold for breeders.
The work is to be carried on in cooper
alton and conjunction with the other
agricultural agencies of the State. DR..
Cleaves has already held conferences with
Mr.. White, Manager of the State of Maine
Agricultural and Industrial League, and
with Mr.. Crawford, the Sheep Specialist
for the State Department of Agriculture.
All inquiries relative to sheep, address,
ed to your County Agent or directly to
DR.. Cleaves, College of Agriculture,
Orono, Maine, will receive prompt at
tention.