Norwich bulletin., 1918-10-16
NOW IS THE TIME
 TO START SHEEP

TO START SHEEP
 Ranidfy changing economic condi- tions, including increased cost of com mercial feeds, scarcity of labor and advanced prices for wool and mutt ton. have induced many farmers in Connecticut to turn their attention with renewed interest to sheep rais- ing Sheep husbandry on farms can do much Do relieve the inadequacy of wool production in the United States. An army of 5000 GOO men needs the wool from 100. 0o0.Oae sheer. but there arc only 50.o0O. 900 sheep in the .coun- try.
 Present prices of sheep products are attractive and in themselyes likely to stimulate interest in sheep raising, and undoubtedly there are conditions in this state that justify keeping larg- CT numbers of sheep. Anyone who starts now and cares for a new flock this fall will be patriotically meeting the countr-ys need for more wool to clothe our soldiers and sailors at home. and abroad. Late summer or early fall Is the most favorable season for start ing in with sheep. Ewes can be pro- cured more readily at this time and when purchased eAn be kept on mead ow or late sown forage crops. to get them In good condition for breeding. Experience with the ewes through fall and winter will also render a be- rtnner more capable of attending to them at laTntng time. It is seldom 1ossihhe Co buy any considerable number of bred ewes at reasonable price=.
 The prospective sheep owner must of necessity consider a number of fac tors before purchasing a flock of ewes. Inc breed and number purchased will depend on the size. fertility and type of farm on which they are to be kept. The inexperienced sheep raiser should begin with grade ewes of the best class ayailabie and a pure bred ram. The raising of pure bred stock and che selling of breeding rams can best he undertaken by persons experienced in sheep rajsius.-It is much safer to st1rt In a small way and gradually incrosse the size Of ths iSck as ex- rcrience and knowledge arc gained Grade ewes cost less than pure breds and with average care are likely to Dc as profitable. IT successful with grade flock one can change over to pure breds in the course Of a few years.
 The most profitable eve for Connec- ticut is one that will produce a heavy fleece of hi-hiy marketable wool and rear one or preferably two good early market lambs. Tn addition to this, the eve must have sufficient size and should possess. the desirable mutton conformation contained with constitu- tion. uniformity ahc compaetness cf hody. and quality in gone. flesh ard fleece. Good milking qualities are all SO highly important in order that the lamb may ll- well rssTed Yearlings or fwo yc1r cid' cv-es arc preferable to oltrr ones. "Solid-mouths" should be rcia-ted as ewes with part of their teeth rore or the niDDers loose or bad ly worn nl,Fef ifrvc special care and afforfi1 1u Select ewes that are thrifty and .n cool health. and avoid those that ar,- ';ihl and emaeiated. Insist on a ~o7i n-art -tilst is. one of good length -nf erra7-ih and which dense- . lp covers tft body.
 q The Intt~s,e.e Live Stock Company has recently purchased an additional 7.0ra head of Mnnt1na ewes and a supply Tor distribution will he main tained thrcughout the season. These ewes arc acclimated to eastern condi- tiors snd may be inspected at the cCnnan ny's. r1Etures al Selkirll, New York. Anyone who wishes tc purchase should get in touch with their county orcnt or write the Sheep Specialist uf the Connecticut Agriculturaf Col lego at Stor-s. Plans have been made whereby prospective purchasers can have stock inspected before 1t is consigned.