PREFACE 



All indications at the present time point to the beginning of a 

 new period in the sheep industry of the United States. For the first 

 time in our history we are attempting to give attention to the whole 

 problem of mutton and wool production. We are awakening as 

 never before to the fact that successful flock husbandry is based 

 upon a careful consideration and attention to breeding, feeding, 

 shepherding, and marketing. As a result, farm flocks are emerg- 

 ing from the depraved stage of scavengers, and bands of sheep on 

 western ranges no longer have " to take pot luck " on the natural 

 feed of the range. 



The sheepman now realizes that " the march towards the setting 

 sun" in search of new and cheap range is over, and that various 

 phases of agriculture are demanding and receiving recognition m 

 regions which he once regarded as solely his own. He also realizes 

 that land values have advanced and the cost of operation increased 

 to the point where the haphazard and wasteful methods once prac- 

 ticed in handling sheep can no longer be depended upon to yield 

 profits. 



All of these changes presage a better and more successful sheep 

 husbandry, and this book is offered with the hope that it will be of 

 use both to the student and to the sheep raiser in comprehending the 

 place which sheep justly deserve in our agriculture and the methods 

 of handling which will result in permanent occupancy of this place. 



The author fully realizes that this volume is not a complete 

 treatise on sheep husbandry. He also realizes how unfortunate it 

 would be for sheepmen generally to attempt to apply without any 

 modification whatever all of the suggestions this book contains ; for 

 no absolute rule can be laid down for each and every practice in 

 flock husbandry. 



To my various friends engaged in sheep raising, most grateful 

 acknowledgment is due for the encouragement and help they have 

 given me in preparing this volume, and especially do I feel indebted 

 to my colleague. Prof. J. A. Detlefsen, for his helpful suggestions on 



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