106 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



come to this country for a large proportion of what they require. 

 We think, at the present time, few farmers of the State realize the 

 large numbers of cattle and sheep, besides the great amount of 

 dressed beef, nuitton and pork, that is shipped from this country to 

 Europe every week, and the trade is yet only its infancy. With 

 more experience and better facilities for transportation, it will in- 

 crease to meet the full demands. The question may be asked whj' 

 the farmers of Maine cannot raise beef for shipping as well as the 

 farmers of the AVest. 



It can be done at a profit if we will be as particular in regard to 

 the stock we breed as many of our farmers now are, for all know 

 that a grade Shorthorn or Hereford is worth as many dollars at two 

 years of age as a scrub is at three or four years, thus saving the 

 fai-mers one or two j-ears feed. We believe it is admitted bv all 

 shippers that Maine cattle will stand the sea voyage better than 

 Western cattle. 



Sheep husbandry is anothei" branch of stock husl)andry that is 

 giving to those who are engaged in it, and ought to many more, 

 profits in return for the feed and care. We think we may with 

 safety place the income from a flock of good sheep at So. 00 each, 

 and the cost of keeping at S3. 00 each, thus giving a net profit of 

 S2.00 per liead. The distance from market may have som(jthing to 

 do with the profits, but in a great measure that may be overcome by 

 the amount that is is otFered for sale. Capital is always looking for 

 a profitable investment, and he that can afford to go into the country 

 one day for one car load of sheep, can make it more profitable if he 

 can buy two loads. The price in different localities may ditfer to a 

 certain extent, but not enough to materially affect business. 



In tlie future, if it is not the case at the present time, the agricul- 

 tural [)rosperity of the State will depend on its stock husbandry. 



Discussion. 



L. I>. Lucas, St. Albans. Twenty tons of hay will winter one 

 luni(bcd shec'i), and fifty cents [)er head will [)asture them. The 

 cost of keeping, with hay at ten dollars, would be 82.')(). The aver- 

 age income from a flock should he four dollars i)er head, or S400 for 

 a floc'k which is costing $2.30 to keep. If a man is not doing as 

 well as this, either he has sheej) not lit to keep, or he is not giving 

 suitable care. 



