S2 THE WOOL IXDUSTEY. 



cient for the home demand. "We find in 1850 there were, all 

 told, 21,723,220 head of sheep in the United States, according 

 to statistics of the Agricultural Department. In January, 1897, 

 the total number amounted to 36,818,643 — an increase since 

 1850 of 15,095,423. But when the corresponding increase in 

 the population of the country is taken into account, we find that 

 the sheep supply falls far short of keeping pace with the growth 

 of the population. 



On next page we print a table showing the amount of wool 

 imports into the United States from 1893 to 1898; inclusive, as 

 compared with 1838. 



The exportation of wool from this country being of such 

 small amount it is only necessary to state that the total exporta- 

 tion for the year ending June 30, 1896, amounts to only 855,950' 

 pounds. Tlie above figures being correct, it becomes apparent 

 that so far as wool is concerned, there is no probability for some 

 years to come to fear an over-production. The sheep industry 

 is steadily on the rise, with prospects of higher prices for wool, 

 and an increasing yearly demand for feeders. 



