WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 745 



Tlicie is some complaint of dogs ia tlie thickly settled portions of the 

 State, but the most common difficulties are the severe winters and the 

 prevalence of dust in the air in certain seasons of the year, which fouls 

 the wool. Worst of all, though, is the danger of prairie fires which in 

 the fall are apt to sweep over the country. In Morton County the al- 

 kali holes in dry seasons cause some trouble. A great many of the 

 flockmasters state that there are no particular disadvantages of any 

 consequence only such as are common to any new country, and even 

 these, when the industry is better established, can be overcome by 

 proper management. 



While the industry is in its infancy the enthusiasm is remarkably 

 intense and the tendency Is for everybody to get into the sheep busi- 

 ness. In Stark County over 20,000 sheep were brought in during last 

 year, and in nearly every county of the State the number of sheep 

 brought in this year will be equal to the mimber owned at the present 

 writing. The outlook is very bright, indeed, for the industry, and a 

 veritable boom in sheep prevails throughout the State. 



As to the best methods for profitably conducting the business, the 

 industry is yet too new for the formulation of uniform rules applicable 

 to the whole State, except in a few particulars. The first essential is to 

 have good sheep. If but few are to be kept on the farm the mutton 

 breeds are preferred, iDut farther west the Merino ewe of good size 

 should be the base of the flock, bred pure or perhaps crossed with mid- 

 dle-wool bucks. Beginners should start with flocks no larger than can 

 be given proper attention. Sheds and feed should be supplied in suf- 

 ficient quantity to carry the flock through the winter. In summer or 

 during the grazing season the sheep should be changed on the range 

 frequently. In no case should they be run in flocks to exceed 1,500 

 head. Great care should be exercised during the lambing season and 

 sufficient help secured to guard against losses. So long as sheep con- 

 tinue to be brought into the State it is advisable to dip them all, after 

 shearing, to prevent scab and ticks. In the greater portion of this 

 State it is well to adopt the successful methods in vogue in Montana, 

 except that they should not be run in so large bands. Avoid having 

 more sheep than can be comfortably sheltered in stormy weather. Be 

 sure to have plenty of feed and water for any emergency, and give the 

 business personal attention. With good stock and good management 

 there is no agricultural or pastoral pursuit that wiU give better re- 

 turns to the husbandman or flockmaster. 



PEAIRIB FIUB6. 



Prairie fires constitute one of the most serious drawbacks to sheep 

 husbandry on the plains of Iforth Dakota. They do more harm and 

 cause stockmen more concern and anxiety than any other obstacle en- 

 countered. The general but quite erroneous supposition, especially 

 among nonresidents, is that winter is the great obstacle. Stockmen 



