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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 47
Sheep Farming
Sheep Farming.
The following is a rough estimate of the wool-clip of the world in 1868:—
| lbs. | |
|---|---|
| British North-American Provinces | 10,000,000 |
| Australia, South America, and Africa | 76,000,000 |
| United States | 100,000,000 |
| Spain, Portugal, and Italy | 119,000,000 |
| France | 123,000,000 |
| European Russia | 125,000,000 |
| Germany | 200,000,000 |
| Great Britain | 260,000,000 |
| Asia | 470,000,000 |
One great reason, probably, why the supply of wool is so small, comparatively, in North America (including the United States), is that the characteristics of the soil, surface, and climate of the north-west of the continent have not been known, and that consequently sheep have not been taken to the part of the country specially suited for wool-bearing animals. Mountain-sheep and goats have fed for ages in the north-west.
Domesticated sheep thrive well in British Columbia, increase rapidly, and are profitable both for the mutton and wool they yield. A considerable population, which will eat mutton, will always be employed in mining, agricultural, and other pursuits.