297 



there was an extra ])ro(luction of 1,200,000 pounds of beef, which 

 at the present market price means that the breeders have re- 

 ceived an extra $168,000. This is what has been accomplished in 

 this line during the past few years by the application of modern 

 scientific principles of selection and breeding, together with close 

 attention to feeding and care. 



Still, with all this increase it was necessary to import from the 

 mainland over 590,000 pounds of fresh beef to satisfy the de- 

 mand of our rapidly-growing population. However, these im- 

 portations are steadily decreasing in amount, and very shortly 

 will be unnecessary. 



There is not the same record of improvement in lamb and 

 mutton production. The average dressed w^eight per carcass has 

 increased but slightly. In 1905 there were about 100,000 sheep 

 in the Islands, yet the Territory could not supply its demand, 

 and over 3000 carcasses of mutton, valued at a little over v$l 3,000, 

 were imported. 



If we hope ever to supply this demand more attention to sheep 

 tory is a trifle over half what it was ten years ago, and the 

 demand for lamb and mutton, although light at present, is still 

 far in excess of what it was at the above period, due to the great 

 increase in the population and the presence of large contingents 

 of the army. 



This decrease in numbers is partly offset by increased quality 

 due to better breeding and attention. 



If we hope ever to supply this demand, more attention in sheep 

 husbandry must be given than ever before. It is true that a 

 considerable number of blooded rams have been imported in the 

 last few years, but the wool breeds have been far in excess of 

 the mutton breeds. More of the mutton type will have to be 

 imported and more attention given to proper paddocking and the 

 sowing of the most nutritious grasses ; and see to it that the 

 ranges are not over-stocked. Being entirely grass-fed, their con- 

 dition varies with the changing climatic conditions. Special feed- 

 ing will largely do away with this. We cannot successfully com- 

 pete in the open market against specially fed lamb and mutton 

 with a 35 to 37-pound grass-fed carcass showing neither quality 

 nor condition. 



These conditions can be altered only by breeding and feeding. 

 Sheep have always been profitable to those breeders who took 

 sufficient interest in it. Sheep raising cannot be expected to 

 prove profitable when it is taken, as it is here by many, as a sec- 

 ondary consideration. There are conditions existing here which 

 can be met only by proper feeding. Analyses show that the soil 

 in certain areas is deficient in lime salts, with a consequent short- 

 age of lime salts in the grasses. These lime salts furnish the 

 bone-building material absolutely necessary for the proper de- 

 velopment of the young and the keeping in condition of the 

 pregnant animal. This applies to all classes of animals alike. 



