Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1918-08-20
Wool for, Soldiers.

The United States Department o
Agriculture. the Quartermsster's De
Partment and the Council Of Nstiona
defence have recently authorised tn
statement that the wool yield Of q
average sheep 10 required for tn
standard equipment Of the American
soldier.
During recent years We have shorn In
this country what would be equivalen
to about 40, ,000, 900 fleeces, not any NOR,
than enough to properly equip 1900, ,0Ot
soldiers.
The serious wool shortage is respon
sible for the War Industries Board o
the Council Of National Defence com
Wandering the wool clip of the United
States ut . fixed price, with the WOO
Administrator In charge.
In an endeavor to increase the WOO
production of the country the q. S. De-
partment of Agriculture and the State
Agricultural Colleges have outlined q
very complete program of extension
work.
The Extension Service Of the Univer-
atty of Maine has been very fortunate in
securing the services of DR.. L. Sherman
Cleaves "a sheep specialist. DR.. Cleaves
10 graduate veterinarian with q wide
experience In veterinary practice. BE
wsa brought up on Maine farm where
sheep we're always kept, has been for a
long time and still 10 q sheep owner.
Both as veterinarian and as q farmer
DR.. Cleaves has madea careful study of
sheep problems.
DR.. Cleaves states that never before In
the history of our nation has the out
look for the sheep Industry been bright
er. There is real shortage of wool not
only in our country but the world over.
This coupled with an increased demand
creates q situation which calls for
prompt action. At our best, it will be
many years before We can increase our
flocks so that we can produce wool
enough for our 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
price for mutton and wool will have a
rapid decline.
While DR.. Cleaves is urging the farm
ers to take immediate action to build
up their flocks, he also urges that pre-
measures be observed, advis-
ing the inexperienced man
TO start with small flock
and urging every one to exercise very
great care in purchasing. 1t is as neces-
sary to consider the health as 1t is the
and individually. II one starts
With healthy stock. 1t is usually an easy
matter to keep the animals in good
health. Disease in a flock disheartens
the beginner and is 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
associations having for their
object the promotion and development
ot one breed or type. Cooperative
of lambs and wool is also
arged 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 breed
ing, feeding management and housing,
also correct methods OF handling wool.
Fourth: Urging the farmers to keep
ali eve lambs for breeding purposes or
Il the ewes are to be sold that they will
be sold for breeders.
The work is to be carried on In CO.
operation 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 Depart
ment of Agriculture.
All inquiries relative to sheep, sd-
dressed to your county agent or directly
to DIR. Cleayes, College Of Agriculture,
Oropo, Maine will receive prompt atten-
ton.