[256] 



kets of the world the vast deposit of minerals along its line so long lying 

 dormant, new mines will be opened and worked, new manufacturing es- 

 tablishments built, giving employment to thousands, and furnishing a 

 home market for the products of the country. 



But to return : Whatever course may be determined on by the. breeden 

 the utmost importance should attach to the selection of the ram to be 

 bred to, for in the purity of his blood is represented the improved type 

 that is desired. The purer the blood of the ram the more strongly will 

 his characteristics overcome the subsequent mixture of breeds, and im- 

 print themselves upon his offspring. Then in selecting the ewes to breed 

 from, avoid as much as possible any defects you wish to obliterate, select- 

 ing ewes of the best form, size and constitution. It has been aptly illus- 

 trated by a writer on this subject, as "in giving motion to a projectile (for 

 instance, a cannon ball), the velocity obtained is not merely in propor- 

 tion to the propelling force, but also to the resistance of the medium 

 through which the body is driven." Now in this instance the ram would, 

 represent the propelling force, the ewe that of resistance, since if there 

 were no obstacle on^her side the complete effect would be realized by the 

 faithful reproduction of the improving type. Clearly, therefore, the in- 

 fluence of the ram upon the offspring will be the stronger, the purer, and 

 more ancient in the first place that his own race may be, and in the next 

 place the less resistance is offered by the ewe through the possession of 

 those qualities of purity and long descent which are so valuable in the 

 sire. But after all care and diligence may have been used in the proper 

 selection of rams and ewes to improve the breed, ill results, and probably 

 failure, will follow, unless a like improvement in keep and management 

 accompanies. The great improvement of the English breeds, to which we 

 must resort for the improvement of our breeds, is greatly due to their ex- 

 cellent management and keep. Proper attention to the selection of rams 

 and ewes, and an annual culling of the flock, which is best done at shear- 

 ing time, when any deficiency may be detected, and the defective ewe 

 marked for the mutton pen, culling out and disposing of the less perfect 

 ewes, and keeping'only what can be well cared for, properly sheltered if 

 needed, and provided with good pasturage or feed, and good management 

 have given to others their improved breeds, and will give to us ours. 



Tennessee, by the census of 1870, had about 800,000 sheep, producing 

 about two pounds of wool per head, or 1,600,000 pounds. If these sheep 

 were half-breeds of any of the improved breeds, the yield of wool would 

 be at least double, or four pounds per head, or an increase of 1,600,000 

 pounds, which, at 20 cents per pound, would gain to the producer $320,- 

 000, and in a short time, by proper breeding, as indicated, could be in- 

 creased to an average of six pounds per head, or an increase of 3,200,000 

 pounds, which at 20 cents, would gain $640,000. 



Probably one-half of these sheep are sold or consumed annually for 

 mutton, estimating them to average in weight 60 pounds, and to sell at 2 



