STOCK IN MESOPOTAMIA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 259, 29 July 1919, Page 8

STOCK IN MESOPOTAMIA

Camols, horses, cattlo, sheep, goats, and donkeys are the principal or solo source of wealth of many of tho inhabitants of Mesopotamia. The camel is a characteristic feature of the.dry, uncultivated plains. Good breeds of Arab horses aro to be found both in Northern and Southern Mesopotamia. . Sheep are bred in immense numbers in most parts. Cattle aro used for ploughing, irrigation, and general draught ivorlc in tho better-watered grazing grounds near tho rivers, and buffaloes are kept in great numbers in tho marsh country. Donkeys aro very common in Irak, but there is little breeding of mules. Fodder is the great livo stock difficulty, as the grain dries up in the hot weather, and it is this difficulty of providing'fodder which is at the root of the nomadic habits of tlie Arab. Thev are obliged to go after it with their flocks and herds to the foot hills. Lucerne grows well whero it'has been cultivated, and, being a leguminous crop, would benefit the 6oil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. If Mesopotamia is to become the home if a settled population, the provision of fodder in hot weather, especially for sheep, must receive early attention.