352 FARM ANIMALS 



ers to the raising of sheep for this purpose, the fleece 

 value being incidental, and this industry is fast assum- 

 ing large proportions. It is thought by some that our 

 rich lands and abundant feeds are well suited to the 

 growth of mutton sheep, and that they, if properly 

 selected, can grow a large part of the wool needed for 

 manufacturing in this country; that is, that certain 

 breeds are capable of development into dual purpose 

 sheep. 



Sheep can thrive on scanty pastures, and are espe- 

 cially valuable in cleaning out the weeds on a farm, but 

 they are capable of making as large returns for good feed- 

 ing as any other farm animal, except the hog. The pro- 

 duction cost of a pound of mutton is no more than that 

 of a pound of beef, and the wool gives additional value 

 in later years. Farmers in the grain-producing states 

 have been engaging in this industry with profitable 

 returns. 



Regularity and uniformity in feeding are of the first 

 importance in raising good sheep, some authorities ad- 

 vocating two feedings daily, others three. Kind treat- 

 ment, clean troughs, healthy quarters, pure water, and 

 the use of salt and sulphur are requisites in keeping 

 sheep in good condition. The best coarse fodders for 

 winter feeding for sheep are clover hay, pea straw, and 

 corn. During the summer, in regions where droughts 

 are common, green fodder, such as rape or rye, should 

 supplement the dry pasturage. Oats and bran are 

 satisfactory grain foods for sheep. 



Breeds of Sheep. Sheep are divided into three 

 classes according to the grade of wool they produce : 

 (l) fine-wool producers, the Merinos; (2) medium- 

 grade wool producers, the Southdown, the Shropshire, 



