The Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56, No. 2, January 12, 1884: A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and FiresideVarious
Science
The Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56, No. 2, January 12, 1884: A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and Fireside
Various
Agriculture -- United States -- Periodicals; Farm life -- Periodicals; United States -- Rural conditions -- Periodicals
Hon. J. Kennedy read a paper on the subject "Will Sheep Breeding Pay."
Viewed from a financial point of view, he thought there had been no
better financial results from any commodity than from the sheep--the
wool and mutton--when given proper care and attention. Speculators and
traffickers in wool and woolen goods were failing all over the country,
but he attributed this to want of fitness for the business in which they
were engaged. Though the present depression in the wool market was
somewhat due to tariff tinkering, was more the result of
over-production--greater supply than demand.
Mr. Grinnell said that at one time he was the owner of a flock of 6,000
sheep, but wool went down in price, and he did not think it profitable
to keep so large a flock, and sold out.
Col. Lucas believed the owner of 160 acres of land could not do better
than to put upon the tract at least 100 sheep.
Hon. E. Campbell had found the business profitable where flocks were
fairly dealt with. He thought Iowa one of the best places in the world
in which to raise sheep. He believed that both sheep and cattle could be
profitably kept upon the same farm. His favorite cross is Cotswold and
Merino. The average weight of fleece in his own flock was over six
pounds.
SWINE.
Col. John Scott introduced the subject of swine by reading a compilation
of historical facts regarding them. He presented drawings, showing the
different breeds and the improvements made in them, in form and size.
Mr. Failor spoke of the Jersey-Reds as his favorite breed for docility
and other essentials.
Prof. Knapp said the most profitable hogs are those with sound
constitutions, good muscular systems, of early maturity, and in general
made to resist diseases which prevail from time to time, all over the
country.
Mr. Young said that when we want an animal for the farm, we must first
look to soundness of constitution. Breed is not of so much consequence.
A breed should not be run after merely because it is novel. He breeds
Poland-Chinas. In order to gain the most prolific breeding, the sows of
this breed should not be allowed to get too fat before dropping the
first litter; simply keep them in good condition.
C.R. Smith thought early breeding injurious to the swine interests of
the country.
H.W. Lathrop asserted that the forcing system of putting on meat had
injured the constitutions of many of our breeds of hogs. In times past,
when less pampering was in vogue and hogs were allowed wide range, there
was less disease than now.
CATTLE.
Mr. Clarkson, of Des Moines, read a paper entitled "Plain and Practical
Thoughts for Common Farmers." It treated of the breeding and care of
cattle.
Mr. Roberts said the more care there is bestowed upon cattle, the more
profitable they are. He had bred up from a good Short-horn bull. Other
members agreed upon the necessity of improving the grade of cattle. The
best demand is always for the best stock.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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