808 SHEEP INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES 



those of last year, which ranged from 17 to 20 cents per pound. The 

 prices for the clip of 1892 will not average quite so much as that of 

 last year, the ruling local prices being for fine 15 to 18 cents, and 

 medium from 1J cents more. It would seem that the gradual fall- 

 ing off of the price each year would be a disadvantage to the wool- 

 grower and cut heavily on the profits of the industry, but the decline 

 in the price has in a measure been offset by a lighter commission, 

 transportation, storage, insurance, dray age, interest on advances, etc. 

 The wool-grower does not have to wait so long for returns on his ship- 

 ment, and commission men are satisfied to handle and sell the clip and 

 take less money for their services than formerly. 



EXPERIENCE OF SHEEP-OWNERS. 



The following expressions from experienced and successful sheepmen 

 will accurately reflect the status of the industry in Utah at the present 

 time : 



J. S. Houts, Ogden, Weber County: 



On account of our high altitude, dry climate, and free range we can raise sheep 

 cheaper here than any place in the United States. Sheep are healthier and grow 

 more wool. Alfalfa is the best feed in the world for sheep, for on it they soon get 

 fat. Sheepmen are learning its value and feeding more of it each winter, and thus 

 get better sheep. Our shearing is done by people who make it a business, and who 

 are able to clip 100 sheep per day. 



Thomas E. Cutler, Lehi, Utah County : 



The average size of flocks in this section is 2,000 head, ranged on public lands. 

 Losses by wild animals are not more than 1 per cent, and from exposure not more 

 than 2| per cent. We breed our ewes in December, allowing about one ram to run 

 with 50 ewes for from one to two months, and we raise about 40 per cent of our lambs. 

 Sheep are profitable in this country if well cared for, but only those accustomed to 

 our conditions can succeed. Many sheep will be fed at home in the future, as there 

 is trouble about who shall occupy the range, the sheepmen or cattlemen. 



William E. Watson, Mount Pleasant, San Pete County: 



Our summer range is on the mountains, browsing shrubbery, grass, and wild oats, 

 in the winter it is desert range, white sagebrush and bunch grass. The usual .shear- 

 ing time is May and June. Most of the wool is sold to commission men, and some 

 ship through local associations. My fleeces average 6 pounds. Our settlers and small 

 cattlemen are prejudiced against the sheepmen. Sometimes our range gets very 

 short. We lose more sheep from the big-head than from scab or other diseases. The 

 business requires careful attention, frequent changes of ranges, often moving from 

 200 to 300 miles to obtain a location near water. 



Charles Adams, Prowan, Iron County: 



It is customary for most of us here in the southwest to shear our sheep twice a 

 year in April and October; and we get, on an average, about 3 pounds of wool to a 

 sheep. Sheep eat snow for drink from four to six months a year. Our range is being 

 overstocked, so that when we have an unusually dry season some flocks have to 

 move out. Where care is exercised and sheep dipped occasionally, scab does not 

 bother much, and sheep are generally healthy. Forty to fifty dollars per month is 

 paid for herdsmen, and the average cost per year per sheep, all expenses, runs from 

 75 cents to $1. 



