22 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Sept.,. 



provement of their business, especially through the en- 

 couragement of new markets, co-operative purchase of sup- 

 plies, development of better packages, and more satisfactory 

 marketing methods, and other projects fostered by these or- 

 ganizations. A well organized class of growers means not 

 only more profitable business to the growers themselves, but. 

 better food for the buying public at a reasonable cost. 



APICULTURE. 



Considering the cost of ecjuipping and maintaining an 

 apiary, there is no more fascinating and profitable business 

 than the keeping of bees. Some of our most successful bee- 

 keepers are women. 



There are very few locations which are unsuitable for this 

 delightful form of agriculture. Sumac, golden-rod and sweet 

 clover are splendid honey producers. 



SHEEP. 



Agriculture and farms in this state were in their most 

 nourishing condition when the sheep population numbered 

 160,000 head. There has been a gradual decrease in the num- 

 ber of sheep raised in Connecticut during the past fifty years, 

 but late statistics show that sheep are returning to the farms 

 of the state. 



Connecticut has large tracts of unused land that could 

 profitably be used in raising sheep. Also there are many 

 farms in the state not carrying a maximum of profitable stock 

 and the raising of sheep can be handled so as to return a 

 reasonable profit. 



The initial investment is not as large in connection with 

 the sheep industry as when engaging in many other agri- 

 cultural lines, but a minimum of labor is required, expensive 

 buildings are unnecessary and cheaper land may be used. 



Flock records of 1918 show a net profit of from $8.50 to 

 $11: per ewe. The state offers a wonderful mafket for lamb 

 and mutton and the prospects are that prices will not fall 

 to their pre-war level, hence a very reasonable profit can be 

 secured from farm flocks. 



