2i8 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



hogs. Wool may be shipped any distance without much, if 

 any, loss. This fact accounts, in part at least, for the pro- 

 duction of sheep in several of the western states where the 

 shipping points are remote from market. Milk and cream, 

 being perishable products, must be marketed at frequent 

 intervals. Dairy animals would not be a wise selection for 

 farms remote from markets or shipping points. 



Lay of the land. The way the land lies whether hilly 

 or level may determine the kind of live-stock best suited 

 to a farm. Rough land can be used for pasture, while only 

 level land can be cultivated. Sheep and beef cattle would do 

 well on a hilly farm, if there were enough level land to furnish 

 grain and hay for winter feeding. Low, wet land is not 

 suitable for sheep raising, because such locations increase the 

 danger of foot-rot and other diseases. High, dry ground, 

 with plenty of pasture, is necessary for success in producing 

 sheep. Hogs could not be used to advantage on hill land, 

 because the pastures could not be utilized sufficiently. Dairy 

 stock would not be likely to be profitable in a very hilly 

 region, because of the difficulties in transportation of the 

 products. 



Capital. There are two things that must be noticed in 

 considering the relation of capital to the kind of farm animals 

 to be produced: the cost or value of the individual animals; 

 and the length of time that must elapse before the animals 

 are ready for market. If the capital is limited, animals of 

 low cost, such as sheep, hogs or poultry, should be selected; 

 if a regular income is needed, dairy animals would yield 

 products ready for sale each day. Sheep require from four 

 to six months to bring in a return; hogs, six to eight months; 

 beef cattle, six to ten months if bought as feeders, and one 

 to two years if raised on the farm; horses, three years. 



