712 SHEEP INDUSTRY OP THE UNITED STATES 



vironraents. It must be remembered, however, that even where shelter 

 and feed are provided they are not needed or intended for constant 

 use during the winter months. They may be regarded as an emergency 

 provision, to be utilized only during a severe winter storm, or when the 

 range is covered with deep snow. Most sheep-owners who have these 

 conveniences usually prefer that the sheep be housed at night in the 

 open corral, which is inclosed by a stockade. During the day the 

 sheep are herded on the winter range and the sheds and feed utilized 

 only when storms are prevalent. The feed provided for such occasions 

 invariably consists of prairie hay, which is highly nutritious. It is 

 seldom that more than forty tons of hay are provided for 1,000 head of 

 sheep. The winter of 1890-'91 was unusually mild, and but little hay 

 was required anywhere in the State. In the localities where it was 

 used the time in all scarcely exceeded two weeks. 



Owing to the excellence of Montana ranges it will not be long before 

 they become occupied, and the present unlimited range held by a few 

 individuals will be circumscribed. This will necessitate an increased 

 amount of winter -feeding. The development of the State by irriga- 

 tion and otherwise will make this so plentiful as to more than compen- 

 sate for the loss of winter-grazing. While intrenchment upon a portion 

 of the grazing lands now occupied by the sheep-owner may increase 

 his expenses, yet it is the belief of many that as a result of more com- 

 fortable shelter and regular feeding during the winter months there 

 will be such a marked improvement in the quantity and quality of the 

 wool and mutton produced as to more than reimburse the added cost 

 of feed and labor. Individual sheepmen who have been favorably sit- 

 uated and disposed to try the experiment of full feeding are so weU 

 satisfied with the results that they have no desire to return to the cus- 

 tomary methods of wintering sheep. Under that system the sheep- 

 owner aims to dispose of his surplus wethers as well as the weak lambs 

 and aged and other undesirable ewes before winter sets in. They are 

 generally sold to stock-feeders in the grain producing districts farther 

 east or south. 



The grazing lands utiUzed by the sheepmen of Montana are a part 

 of the Government domain, large areas of which are stiU unsurveyed. 

 The only land owned by the sheepman may be 160 acres, or perhaps 

 more, located where there are water and good hay land. This water 

 right and claim are made his home and winter ranch. During summer 

 the sheep are grazed on more remote ranges, while the home ranch and 

 adjacent range are reserved for winter use. In some cases, within 

 railroad limits, the home ranch is leased Jfrom the railroad company. 

 Many of these landholdings have become quite valuable, because of 

 their commanding positioa of the choicest ranges, or because of the 

 permanent improvements and conveniences. The value of these homo 

 ranches is placed at from $1.50 to $10 per acre. 



In reference to the main object of sheep-raisers of Montana, there is 



