[29] 



sheep in Tennessee, 826,783. The present estimated number 

 is over 1,000,000. A new impetus has been given to the 

 business wjthin the past five or six years by the introduction 

 of the improved breeds. The replies to our circulars show 

 a growing interest among our farmers in regard to them. 

 Their favorite breeds are the Southdowns and Cotswold ; the 

 first cross of either upon the native ' scrub 7 shows a marked 

 improvement. The third cross, particularly with the South- 

 down, is scarcely distinguishable from the pure breed. The 

 Southdown is regarded as rather the hardier sheep. Those 

 situated convenient to railroads realize $4 to $4.50 for their 

 spring lambs, and obtain from 40 to 70 cents for their wool 

 when sent to the eastern markets. Common sheep average 

 three pounds of wool, improved breeds six to eight pounds. 

 They report no diseases among their improved breeds. 

 They regard the climate favorable for them. No improved 

 system of feeding has yet been generally adopted. The 

 number of sheep kept by individual farmers range from 

 fifty to five hundred head. Those who sell their sheep and 

 mutton at home do not realize remunerative prices. Native 

 sheep bring from $1.50 to $2 per head. Wool 20 to 25 

 cents, unwashed. Cost of raising wool ranges from 5 to 

 10 cents per pound, cost of keeping sheep 50 to 75 cents per 

 annum. All complain bitterly of the repeal of the dog law, 

 many proposing to engage in the business have abandoned 

 the idea in consequence. Estimated loss by dogs from S 

 to 10 per cent. See Appendix for more precise details as to 

 sheep husbandry in each county. 



