590 * CATTLE AND DAIRY FARMING. 



SHEEP-FARMING. 



According to the latest attainable statistics, the number of sheep iu 

 tins State approximate 206,913, the average value of which is $1 apiece. 

 The breed is almost entirely the common Mexican or Spanish stock. 

 Tliey attain a medium size at maturity, and are generally hardy. They 

 yield about 2| pounds of wool each to the clip, twice a year, which 

 brings in this market from 12 to 14 cents a pound. Nearly all the wool 

 produced in this State is marketed at Monterey, very little being ex- 

 ported. It is shipped to various factories in M^ico, to be manufactured 

 into articles of wear. The grade of wool is generally coarse, but sheep- 

 raisers are beginning to open their eyes somewhat to the advantages of 

 improving their breed, both for an increased yield of wool and a better 

 grade. But these people advance very slowly, and cautiously towards 

 any innovation upon the old and well-known way. A few Texas merino 

 bucks have been importe'd, but the advantages of the cross is not yet 

 sufficiently apparent to induce many to attempt the experiment at the 

 cost of $25 apiece for bucks. 



The flocks being generally well guarded by shepherds and trained 

 dogs are seldom invaded to any extent other dogs or wild animals. 



They are to some degree aflflicted with scab, but not sufftciently to 

 claim serious attention. 



There are few very large flocks in the State, ranging from three thou- 

 sand to four thousand, but the largest flock numbers forty thousand. 

 The greatest drawback to sheep-raising is occasional droughts, during 

 which sometimes from 5 to 10 per cent, perish for lack of water. Fresh 

 mutton retails at 8 cents a pound. 



GOAT-EAISING. 



Goats are about as remunerative as sheep, as they are more hardy, 

 not subject to as many diseases, and can get about better over the 

 mountains and among the thorny bushes with which the ranges are 

 thickly covered. 



IS^ear towns and cities large herds are exclusively devoted to the pro- 

 duction of milk, as goat's milk is almost exclusively used for domestic 

 purposes and for the manufacture of cheese. The average yield of milk 

 per nanny is 1 quart, which sells at 12 to 14 cents per quart. 



Most of the male animals are slaughtered for the market when kids 

 from three to four months old, and are worth 75 cents each. They are 

 of the common country breed, and the improvement of the blood is 

 never dreamed of, though I am satisfied that the Angora would pay 

 most handsomely, even by exporting the Mohair. 



HOG-EAISING. 



Hogs are not raised to any great extent, as will be seen from the sub- 

 joined tabular statement. They, however, pay a good profit. The hogs 

 here are a cross between the Spanish porker and the vrild hog of the 

 inountains. They are very-hardy, being rarely attacked by cholera or 

 similar diseases. 



The average weight of those killed for market is 175 pounds. They 

 are fattened and slaughtered chiefly for the lard, which brings 20 cents 

 a pound. Fresh pork is worth 12tJ cents a pound. None is ever cured 

 lor bacon. All the bacon used is principally by Americans, and is im- 

 ported from the United States, and sells at 40 cents a pound • sugar- 

 cured hams are worth from 60 to 75 cents a pound. 



