CHAPTER XIII 
FARM SHEEP 
Ralsinc sheep on the farms is usually a very profitable 
branch of the live-stock industry. It is adapted to any 
climatic condition, requires little capital or skill, builds 
up the soil, fits in with the most approved rotation, and is 
not very likely to be over-done. It is not at present very 
highly developed except in western Oregon and Wash- 
ington where nearly every farm has a few sheep. 
Among the farms suitable for the raising of sheep may 
be included practically all of the general hay and grain 
farms of the West. The farms where grains, clover, vetch, 
and rape are grown are the best for this purpose. Es- 
pecially is this industry suitable for those farms which have 
had their fertility exhausted by continuous grain cropping. 
Sheep-raising requires about the same kind of a farm as 
dairying, but facilities for marketing are not so important 
and more grass land can be used. As compared with dairy- 
ing, sheep-raising requires more land and capital, but is 
not as laborious and confining. The ideal sheep farm will 
include much rolling, well-drained land that will stand 
much tramping. Such land can be pastured the year 
round. Of course, this is a good type of land for any pur- 
pose, but it is especially good for sheep. 
No expensive buildings are needed. If one has room to 
store his hay, necessary sheds may be constructed at a 
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