WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 747 



A. Billiard, Dickinson, Stark County: 



Two years ago there were about 3,000 sheep tributary to this point; now there 

 are about 40,000, and the industry is increasing fast. Inmost cases there have been 

 excellent returns. 



J. H. Serfield, Minor, Ward County: 



The northwestern portion of this State is well adapted for sheep-raising. We 

 have all the advantages here that can be expected by anyone. We have splendid 

 ranges, plenty of good running water, and plenty of hay and natural shelter. 



Nels P. Kassinussen, Valley City, Barnes County: 



We have just started in the business here and had some loss this spring, mostly 

 on account of old sheep and from overcrowding in the sheds. I have a flock of 1,400; 

 lost about 6 per cent; nearly all were old. The younger sheep wintered well. 



L. B. Kichardson, Grand Forks: 



I commenced the sheep business in a small way on the Mouse River in August, 

 1887. I now have a flock of about 2,500, and have found sheep-raising more profit- 

 able than the raising of any other stock or general farming, in which I am somewhat 

 extensively engaged. 



G. B. Grogan, Towner, McBenry County : 



Have raised sheep as a side industry for thirty years. Always found it safe and 

 profitable. Like Leicesters, Lincolus, and Shropshires best. Have dressed from 

 ewes, grass-fed with no grain, 125 pounds per carcass ; lambs, 70 pounds; wethers, 

 164 pounds. Mutton raised in North Dakota was called too fat, though not grain- 

 fed. Have never seen a diseased sheep in eleven years in this State, save sore eyes 

 for a few weeks last year. 



T. F. Eastgate, Larimore, Grand Forks County: 



There is a large range of unoccupied land west of here that is high rolling prairie, 

 with good water in coulees and lakes, and by herding in summer it relieves farm- 

 ers of their care during most of the busy season. Sheep are brought home after 

 threshing and find good feed on the stubble as long as the ground is bare (last winter 

 until February 20). Good ewes will give wool enough to pay all expenses, leaving 

 the lambs for profit. The pelt will pay for raising a sheep, so it is impossible to 

 lose on them if they have any care worth speaking of. 



E. B. Bergman, Garden, Pembina County: 



As all the land is taken, farmers here can only have a few sheep each, but I intend 

 in the near future to increase my flock so it will pay me to send it out west about 

 100 miles or more from here and keep the flock there during the summer and at home 

 during the winter as I did last winter. I fed my flock only straw with little grain. 

 I have now over 200 head. 



C. E. Fuller, Lisbon, Ransom County: 



My 98 ewes produced 142 lambs. Out of this number 120 are alive, and at present, 

 June 20, weigh on an average 40 pounds each. The amount of feed to keep this 

 flock was only 10 tons of hay and 2 tons of millet. The estimated cost would not 

 exceed $25. They now show a profit of over 100 per cent on original cost. 



I. C. Wade, Jamestown, Stutsman County: 



Do not think there is any better place in the United States, as the cool dry climate 

 is so healthy. The winters are very dry, no rain, hence wool grows better. The 



