9S8 SHEEP INDUSTRY OP THE UNITED STATES 



and the catsclaw, witli its rich and fragrant blossom, are great sources 

 of sustenance to stock, and possess wonderful fattening properties. It 

 is estimated that more than one-half of the entire Territory is grazing 

 land. 



The principal sheep counties of the Territory are Apache, Yavapai, 

 and Coconino. The latter county is a new one, created by act of the 

 last legislature by a division of the county of Yavapai. The county 

 seat is at Flagstaff, on the line of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. 

 The affairs of the county are prosperous, and the principal industries 

 consist of the manufacture of lumber, stock-raising, and the quarrying 

 and shipping of sandstone for building purposes. Nearly all of the 

 great lumber forests of the San Francisco range are in Coconino County. 



Of these counties, comprising the chief sheep districts of the Terri- 

 tory, a brief description of the stock features is given by Arizona's 

 commissioner of immigration, John A. Black, and is as follows : 



Entering Arizona from tlie east along the line of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, 

 the traveler finds himself in Apache County, which covers an area of 20,940 square 

 miles. It is rich in natural resources and capable of sustaining many times its pres- 

 ent population of only 5,000. North of 35° 30', and embracing two-fifths of the area 

 of the county, are located the Moqui and Navajo Indian reservations. These In- 

 dians are peaceable, and lead a quiet and comparatively industrious life. Their 

 principal occupation is the raising of large herds of cattle and immense flocks of 

 sheep, from which they receive a very considerable Income, enabling them to live 

 better than the average Arizona Indian. The Navajo blankets, made by band by 

 the squaws of that tribe, are justly celebrated as the finest blankets in the world. 



The principal industries of Apache County are sheep and cattle raising and agri- 

 culture. The county is peculiarly adapted for the successful raising of sheep, and 

 is at present the largest producer of wool in the Territory. A conservative estimate 

 of the product during the past year is given at about 2,000,000 pounds, and the num- 

 ber of sheep grazing in the mountains and in the valleys is estimated at about 

 300,000. The sheep industry is in an exceedingly flourishing condition, and the 

 grade of sheep is being yearly improved. 



In no one thing does Yavapai County rank higher than in its stock interests and 

 capabilities. All the glades and slopes of the mineral-hiding hills and mountains 

 are covered with nutritious grasses and forage plants. The climatic conditions 

 are such that nowhere need stock he sheltered or winter -fed. While the more valu- 

 able water rights arc long since absorbed, every year some man of enterprise develops 

 an ample supply of water for his stock and household use ; or water is found by 

 wells where it was thought none could be obtained. All grasses and forage plants 

 cure standing, and they are constantly increasing in quantity, quality, and variety. 



The sheep industry is also a large one, the product being classed with the best 

 fleeces of the world. 



From another ofdcial publication the following information is gleaned 

 regarding the principal stock regions of the Territory: 



Northern Arizona is all well grassed. Of the native grasses the black and white 

 ^amma are perhaps the most nutritious. Its superioritv is generally admitted by 

 stockmen, a,nd beef fattened upon it is said to be tender, j uicv, and of a most delicious 

 flavor. Scarcely inferior to the gramma is the bunch that covers all the high moun- 

 tain ranges. The galleta grows in the lower mesas, and aside from giving good 

 pasturage for stock furnishes a most excellent hay. In addition to these the alfi- 

 leriUo or Mexican pin grass, weU known and highly prized by all stockmen in CaU- 



