Year: 1860

SHEEP RAISING.


Knowing that the permanence and gen.
uine prosperity of the mining settlements of
California depend upon a Multiplication of
industrial pursuits, that the mining interest
alone cannot always support the numerous
lively towns that ROW nestle among the pines
of the Sierra Nevada or the oaks of the foot
hills, we have from time to time sought to
direct public attention towards such pur-
suits as seemed adapted to the country and
likely to meet existing or coming wants.
Among other things we long ago insisted
upon the adaptability Of the mountain re-
gions of this State to sheep growing, and
Sought to induce persons to embark in the
enterprise. Other journals have discussed
the same subject with more ability and thor
oughness, and in some instances with much
effect. In Nevada county, however, nobody
is convinced, so far as We know, that NUT
ton and wool growing will ray-for that is
the grand consideration. Although it is
known that California wool commands a
preference at high prices in eastern markets,
and is already being manufactured on our
own coast; although in the hcme market
there is great demand for mutten which
has to be supplied by extensive importations;
and although it has been proved by expert
ment and argument that the mountain pas
turage and climate are exactly fitted for the
healthy raising of sheep; still, no person in
this county has yet purchased sheep to any
amount, except the butchers who slaughter
them. We hope the farmers of Nevada
county will not continue to exhibit indifer-
ence to matter of so much consequence.
Let them commence with a small flock OF
fine wooled merino, Saxony or Australian
sheep, or of the Southdown breed, which is
said to be best for mutton; fence in some
hillside pasturage for them, feeding them
when pasturage is insufficient with such
roots as our mountain soil will yield in
abundance, keep careful account Of the cost
and of the receipts by increase and wool
yields-and then see if the experiment does
not warrant more liberal Investment.


Why, if we were q cultivator of the soil
there should be flock of sheep on our farm
just for the picturesqueness which they
would give it. How lovely are the green
hills of spring, dotted with little groups of
nibbling sheep and playful lambs-as the
blue sky is dotted with feecy cloudsl How
poets have sung the charms Of pastoral seem
cry, have revelled in SMILES suggested by
the quiet feeding of the woolly innocents,
and even sublimely dared to compare the
stars of heaven to them! On the foothills
which surround that model wayside inn,
the Empire Ranch of our friends Mooney 4
Moody, in Yuba county, a flock of white
goats roam at will, and give to the landscape
a most charming, comfortable, old-time ex
preston. How the traveller would be de-
lighted with the whole foothill country, if
focks of sheep here and there disported
upon the swelling mounds, beneath the
graceful oaks or upon the outcropping rock.
Habitatons give human interest to seem
cry, and sheet Of water, even if artificial,
is like an eye in the landscape, full of beauty
and expression; but this interest and this
expression are always increased by the pres
ence of focks and herds, which link them
selves to all our sympathies as they minister
to all our wants, and enable US to combine
the beautiful with the useful.