574 



SHEEP INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES 



This shows an average of 35 cents per pound from 1883 to 1890, cov 

 ering the period under the revised tariff of 1883. 



The average prices of wool during these three series of years reduced 

 to a gold basis are thus shown : 



Cents. 



During the suspension of specie payments 43. 06 



After resumption and before the revision of the tariff in 1883 43. 00 



From the revision of the tariff in 1883 until 1890 35. 00 



It is not the intention to discuss these figures and the preceding 

 tables. They speak for themselves. They show that wool has been 

 more constant in production and more stable in price than any product 

 of Ohio, and that while all other farm crops have suffered a great reduc- 

 tion wool has suffered less than any. There has been a more marked 

 depression since 1883, but this depression has been felt by all other 

 farm products and in every State and Territory in our broad land. 



Table showing the number and value of sheep in Ohio from 1840 to 1890. 



The Statistician of the U. S. Department of Agriculture reports in 

 January, 1890, that in Ohio in the preceding year " there has been an 

 unusual demand for sheep, saving thousands from slaughter, and giv- 

 ing a healthy tone to the industry," and in January, 1891, " sheep have 

 increased in numbers and quality, the mutton breeds having the lead." 



He reports a gain of 406,170 sheep from January 1, 1891, to January 

 1, 1892, and an increase in value during the same period from $3.25 to 

 $3.30 per head. Sheep prime mutton found ready saje, and, compe- 

 tition being more restricted than with beef, prices ranged with profit 

 to feeders. Wool, however, was lower than for years. The tendency 

 still continued to cross fine- wool sheep with Lincoln, Shropshire, and 

 other large mutton breeds, aiming to secure large lambs for early 

 feeding. 



