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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



sale, and in case of a man being forced to place his sheep or lambs on the 

 market, the agent may purchase such as he thinks desirable for breeding 

 purposes. The farm may become the center for the collection of wool 

 for shipment at larger markets. 



A Plan to use $10,000 for the Encouragement of Sheep Industry. 

 Same as in first plan, using more farms, as follows: — 



Work the same as in first plan; farms the same. On some special 

 farms place better rams for use of farmers, to be controlled from central 

 farms. Make provision to seU better stock at cost to such farmers as 

 cannot afford to purchase. 



Financial Statement. 



$5,000 Plan. 

 3 agents at $750, ....... 



14 farmers at $100, 



Miscellaneous expenses, — telephone, travel, postage, 



810,000 Plan. 

 Same as the first plan, but 5 more farmers added, . 

 Provide for purchase of 25 rams, pure-bred, . 

 Purchase of breeding stock, limited only by appropriation. 



$2,250 

 1,400 

 1,350 



$5,000 



$500 

 2,500 



A modified type of these plans is already in operation, as we 

 already have an agent in Essex County who is doing a great 

 deal towards bringing about better sheep conditions there. 



The question of a reduced price in wool, now that the war is 

 over, should not retard sheep husbandry, for while we are 

 bound to see lower prices, sheep should not be kept for wool 

 alone, but rather for general purposes on a farm. We have not 

 considered them very much from a meat standpoint, and yet 

 here is an opportunity to use large numbers of these animals. 

 Among those who have carefully considered the question from 

 all angles, there seems to prevail a general feeling that a sane 

 development of the industry is desirable for the good of New 

 England agriculture. 



