SHEEP. 97 



SHEEP. 

 HOOSAC VALLEY. 



[From the Report of the Committee.] 



We are sorry to see the sheep, in the Hoosac Valley going 

 behind their record of 1865 to 1870 ; for there never was so 

 good a time to improve a flock as within the last five years. 

 We know that we cannot get the price for our wool that 

 we did ten years ago ; but what of that ? Can we keep any 

 other stock that will yield us more profit ? We think not, 

 with the present price of cheese and butter. Allowing the 

 extra cost of production in care and labor, we think the bal- 

 ance will be in favor of sheep. 



Ten years ago the hillsides of old Berkshire were covered 

 with as fine flocks as could be found in any State, not except- 

 ing Vermont, which has long been noted for breeding the 

 best sheep in the world. Where are they now ? One would 

 hardly find as many in a day's journey as could have been 

 found in a single flock in 1865 ; and it seems to be the cry of 

 almost every owner of the few small flocks now left, "I wish 

 I could sell my sheep." The truth is, they have neglected 

 them, and allowed them to die of disease and starvation; 

 and how can a farmer expect profitable returns? We think 

 no man of good common sense can help seeing it. Let us see 

 how we have kept our flocks for the past few years. Have 

 thej' been sheltered and fed as in former years ? We think 

 not ; and what has been the consequence ? A falling-off in 

 weight of fleece from one to three pounds each. We know 

 a flock that in 1870 averaged eight pounds of washed wool 

 per head, — a large flock too, — and now it has dwindled 

 down to one-fifth of the number kept then, and clips less 

 than five pounds per head. Now, if it pays to keep stock of 

 any kind, it pays to keep it well. 



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