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SHEEP INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES 



nesota that is of great importance, because it insures a profitable util- 

 ization of food products that are not especially demanded in the market 

 except at low figures which would not realize the producer or seller 

 but little, if any, margin or profit ; besides, the more stock feeding that 

 is done in the State the larger the saving of coarse feed which now is 

 largely wasted. If it is possible to secure wethers there will be fed 

 during the coming winter in Minnesota at least 200,000 sheep. 



Several Minnesota sheep-owners have requested the author of this 

 report to present the best plan of a sheep shed for 100 sheep. The 

 matter was referred to the editor of the Farm, Stock, and Home, of 

 Minneapolis, who has a department devoted to "Farm Plans and Ap- 

 pliances" in his paper. And in the issue of May 1, 1892, the following 

 figure and description is given of a sheep shed suitable for accommo- 

 dating a flock of 100 sheep : 



Fig. 1 shows a section of a shed which will require but little outlay to build, 

 where long posts or poles can be obtained. It is 24 feet wide, and for 100 sheep 

 should be at least 32 feet long. The roof is one-third pitch and requires 16-foot 

 boards for covering. The plates are 2 by 6, set edgewise, and let into the top of 

 posts. Instead of a single ridge-pole two pieces of 2 by 6, are used, one let in on 



FIG. 1. Shed for 100 sheep. 



each side of the middle posts. Purlines and braces are also 2 by 6. The entire bill 

 of lumber is as follows : Nineteen pieces, 2 by 7, 16 feet long ; 16 pieces, 2 by 6, 12 

 feet long ; 1,536 feet common boards, 16 feet long ; 576 feet common boards, 12 feet 

 long ; 96 pieces batten, 16 feet long ; 36 pieces batten, 12 feet long ; 5 posts, 20 feet 

 long; 10 posts, 12 feet long. 



Battens are better than wide boards to cover the cracks in board roofs, for the rea- 

 son that they allow the roof to dry out sooner after a rain, thus preventing decay. 



By using longer posts an upper story for the storage of hay could be had under 

 the same roof. Provision should be made for driving the manure wagon through 

 the shed. Since the manure will need to be cleaned out but once or twice a year, 

 the door, instead of being hung on rollers or hinges, should be bolted to the posts. 

 In this way a tighter joint can be made than with rollers, and the doors will always 

 be fastened instead of slamming in the wind. 



Sheep sheds are often made narrow and with a single shed roof, similar to one-half 

 of Fig. 1. Such a shed requires nearly as much lumber to build as Fig. 1, while but 

 half the space is inclosed. 



EXPERIENCE, VIEWS, AND TESTIMONY OF MINNESOTIANS. 



John O. Hall, Alden, Freeborn County: 



I think a small flock of not more than 50 coarse-wool sheep will pay a great deal 

 more proportionately than a large flock. Our hay is mostly from wild grass and rather 

 too coarse for sheep. 



