400 FEEDING ANIMALS. 



CHAPTER XL 



SHEEP. 



SHEEP husbandry is destined to assume very great Im- 

 portance in this country. It appears to be the industry 

 which cannot produce a supply equal to the demand. 

 There is no probability of our ever growing much wool for 

 export. The wants of our population in clothing will even 

 more than keep pace with our wool production. But it is 

 to be hoped that, with our constantly expanding territory 

 suited to the production of wool and mutton, we may, 

 within a short period, be able to supply most of the wool 

 now imported. It is the one home market never yet sup- 

 plied, and thus has the advantage of most other agricul- 

 tural industries, of a customer unsought. In dairying, 

 beef-growing, wheat-growing, and cultivating swine pro- 

 ducts, we sedulously stimulate the foreign demand ; but in 

 wool-growing our last fleece is sought at our own door. 

 We are improving so rapidly the machinery for manufact- 

 uring the best cassimeres, broadcloths, and Brussels, Wilton 

 and Axminster carpets, that our wools bring better prices 

 to the grower than those of any other country. We have 

 cheaper lands, cheaper foods, and as good a climate for 

 sheep-growing, as can be found ; and all we need beyond 

 these to compete with all the world in wool production is a 

 knowledge of the business equal to our facilities. Here, as 

 elsewhere, we must study the whole business, understand 

 and utilize all its details. Simple wool -growing cannot be 

 maintained in any country where land has any considerable 



