no 



herdsmen who on horseback, go with the cattle here and, 

 there over the plains. Some in the southwestern part of 

 the State, in addition have large tracts of land surrounded - 

 by fence to keep their cattle on their own land, and keep 

 off the cattle of others, because there are many who have 

 little or no land, yet own many cattle. 



Improved breeds of cattle have been largely imported 

 into the State during the last few years. 



In 1875, the number of milch cows in the United States, 

 was 10,906,800. Of these, Texas has 526,500, yet she im- 

 ports annually large quantities of butter, cheese and con- ^ 

 Sensed milk. During the last eight to ten years, butter' 

 has beeii sold largely in Austin at fifty cents or more per 

 pound, and cheese at twenty-five cents per pound. These 

 are winter prices. 



SHEEP. 



Western Texas has great advaiftages for the successful 

 keeping of sheep, with its mountains and valleys, and 

 abundant pasturage, joined with a delightful and healthy 

 climate. 



I have often said, and say again, that a beginning with 

 1000 sheep, properly and well cared for, will in a well 

 chosen place in western Texas, (and there are thousands of 

 such places) amount to an independent fortunti in ten 

 years, ay an independent fortune, I mean an income of 

 ftom $3000 to $5000 a year. I know of those who with 

 such beginnings in this business, continued for ten years, 

 have realized and now have greater incomes. But this 

 business needs care, energy and judicious management. 

 Some, lacking these things, have been unsuccessful in the 

 sheep business, even in Texas, and others, during the 

 same time, have acquired independent fortunes. 



One advantage which the country west and northwest of 

 Austin has, is the almost entire'absence of burr weeds 

 (Xanthium strumarium), so injurious to the wool of some 

 portions of the State. 



The , wages of shepherds in western. Texas vary from 

 $5 to $10 per month, without board. These are the prices 

 paid Mexicans, vi^ho are fond of the business. The better 

 way is to have a Mexican family, furnished with a small 

 house and gatden. A Mexican,' with a sheep dog, will 

 take care of from 1000 to 1200 sheep, which is as large a 

 number as ought to be in a, flock. 



