Annual Meeting 1135 



gave 9Mj per cent., and one flock which was unfortunate in hav- 

 ing a loss of two ewes and the ram, at head of flock-values of 

 losses deducted still made a clear profit on investment of 17% 

 per cent. 



It may be stated that the year was not nearly so favorable in 

 prices realized for the finished lambs as any of several former 

 years would have been. It was not up to the average. 



It is strange, but to a very marked extent true, that if any 

 statement is repeated often enough, he who utters it, and they 

 who listen, believe it to be true, though in reality it is far from 

 being correct. 



On the other hand let us notice how any new or old line of 

 production, which people use and are the better for using, finds 

 its place and market. It is not suflicient to have the superior 

 article produced. We must let the public know that we have such 

 within their reach, and use every lawful endeavor to convince 

 the people that they can have more healthful and comfortable, 

 and, therefore, happier living by using the commodity we wish 

 to promote. 



The way is already paved to the profitable markets for our 

 flock's productions. The failure and blame rest greatly with the 

 prodiicer in the case under consideration. 



The demand from east to west, but especially in l^ew York 

 State, is increasing more rapidly than the supply. It is not 

 creditable to us that w^e have not supplied our own people during 

 the past with all the mutton and lamb required for home con- 

 sumption. To develop the industry and so stimulate it as to 

 meet the demand fully, we must make known, and that in a 

 convincing manner, the profits directly and indirectly which are 

 nearly absolutely certain to result from the flock on the ordinary 

 farm cared for in a reasonable manner and given but a small 

 share of the labor required in other lines of live stock husbandry. 

 It may be necessary, in order to convince the many, to spend 

 considerable in the way of educating the indifi^erent, as to the 

 possibilities of the industry. 



We need more and better flocks. People generally stand ready 

 to be convinced if not yet fully aware of existing conditions. We 

 must be ever ready to talk sheep up and not down. Tell the good 



