[21] 



themselves then as now, sheep husbandry was not looked 

 upon as a paying business, and so, by neglect, it did not 

 thrive. Since the war, however, more attention has been 

 given the subject, and Tennessee bids fair to become the 

 great wool growing State of the Union. Situated in a tem- 

 perate climate, neither too hot nor too cold, she possesses all 

 the natural prerequisites for success, and no doubt will 

 achieve great success in this branch of agriculture. 



A notable instance of great success in this branch of stock 

 raising is that of Mark R. Cockrill, Esq., of Davidson 

 county. About half a century ago he began on a small 

 scale the improvement of the native breeds. He imported 

 Saxony and Merino sheep, crossed th^n. with the ewes of 

 the country, and sold both full blooded and graded animals. 

 He sent his agent traveling through the country exchanging 

 his sheep for the common breeds, as well as selling them 

 for money. To accommodate his increasing flocks he 

 bought the hill lands adjoining his farm, and clearing them 

 up sowed down to blue grass. Being a shrewd business 

 man the enterprise throve apace, and he soon had established 

 a character for having the best sheep and the best breeds in 

 the State. Nor was he content to excel in Tennessee, for 

 when he had exhausted the premiums of his own country he 

 sent fleeces to the great London World's Fair, and took the 

 highest premiums there offered for wools. What Mr. Cock- 

 rill did then can be done now by any enterprising man who 

 will give the business his whole attention. 



