980 SHEEP INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES 



wethers of the larger breeds. Ordinary graded wethers ranged from 

 $4.50 to $2.50 per head, according to quality, distance from and con- 

 venience to market, etc. 



The decrease of sheep on this entire coast has so enhanced the price 

 of mutton that those who have clung to their flocks through the agita- 

 tions of the tariff question since 1883 are now beginning to reap the 

 reward of their perseverance in an advance on their mutton and stock 

 sheep as an offset to a slight decline in wool. My estimate is that 

 mutton consumed in the two States of Oregon and Washington and 

 exported to British Columbia aggregates 375,375 head, at an average 

 value of $3 per head, worth $1,132,125. The stock and mutton sheep 

 deported to Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and the Chicago and Califor- 

 nia markets is estimated to aggregate 445,522 head, valued at $1,113,805, 

 making the total value of mutton and stock sheep sold in 1891 $2,245,930. 

 Estimating the advance on prices from 1890 to 1891 at 25 per cent the 

 increased income is, from enhanced prices, $561,432. Estimating one- 

 half the deported sheep as wethers, 222,761 head, at an average of $3 

 per head, gives for mutton deported $668,283. For mutton consumed 

 in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, as above, $1,132,125, 

 making the total income from mutton $1,800,408. Twenty-five per 

 cent advance from 1890 to 1891, gives increased income from mutton 

 alone, $450,102. 



The assessment rolls of 1890 give 903,714, to which I estimate an in- 

 crease of 225,428 not assessed, making 1,129,142, the number of sheep 

 shorn in eastern Oregon. 



Pounds. 

 Estimated average fleece of unwashed wool, 7 pounds, aggregating. . 7, 903, 994 



The 256,744 head in western Oregon, yielding 6 pounds, average 1, 540, 644 



The 227,066 head in east Washington, yielding 7 pounds, average 1, 589, 462 



The 25,753 head in west Washington, yielding 6 pounds, average 154, 518 



Total shown in both States 1,638,735 head, yielding 11, 188, 618 



At average price of 17 cents per pound, valued at $1, 902, 065. 06 



Total value of mutton and stock sheep as above 2, 245, 930. 00 



Total for wool, mutton, and stock sheep 4,147,995.06 



In view of the steady decrease of sheep in western Oregon and the 

 still more rapid appreciation of mutton values, farmers who keep sheep 

 are seeking to improve the mutton-making qualities of their flocks, for 

 which purpose crosses with the British breeds are used. The Cotswold 

 and Shropshire Downs seem to be preferred. The advance in this di- 

 rection is led by grain farmers nearest the markets. Except in the case 

 of breeders of pure-blooded sheep few farmers in western Oregon make 

 an exclusive business of sheep-husbandry. All, except it may be 

 some settlers on rough, cheap lands near the mountains, keep sheep 

 as aids to clean grain-farming. For that purpose a very successful man 

 esteems 200 sheep on a 300-acre grain farm as equivalent to the labor 



