AMERICAN WOOL-CROWING.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1080, 12 October 1883, Page 2

AMERICAN WOOL-CROWING.

(From the Breeder's Gazette.) To say that bettor opportunities or more favourably conditions for successful sheep husbandry than are found in large distt lets of tho United States do not exist on the globe, may appear to bo a broad statement, but it cannot bo successfully controverted. Tho extent of territory and varieties of climate within our national boundaries are, all things considered, unmatched on the earth for the production of every type of animal and quality of staple. With such advantages, it would seem that we ought to supply our own wants at least; and at tho rate of increase which has marked tho wool industry of this country during the two decades last post, production will erolong overtake tho annual requirements of'the mills. The home production increased from 90.000. in 1862 to 150,000,0001bs in 1872.. Tho amount of wool used hero in 1862 was 130,64-1,72016, and tho nmonnt used in 1872 was 269,849,5011b, of which 122,256,4991b was imported. The homo production increased in 10 years (1871 to 1881) from 150,000,000 lb (a falling off from tho previous year of 10.000. b) to 264,000,0001b in 1881, or over 60 per cent., ; while the total population increased only 30 per cent., from about 38,500,000 to 50,000,000. The total amount of wool used in 1882 was 314,385,2471b, of which 55,964,9361b was imported. It will bo seen that, notwithstanding the progress of wool-growing in this country, a largo margin remains yet to bo reduced.

An approximate estimate of the sheep of the world places the number at 600,500,000 animals—enough to encircle the earth 13 times, if they were ranged in single file close!}' following each other. The United States has enough sheep to make a solid column eight abreast from New York to San Francisco. This appears like a vast number, but it cuts no groat figure compared with the aggregate number of sheep on the earth. The point in connection with these is that our resources in territory, climate, and adaptation to sheep husbandry indicate the possibilities of that industry in all of its aspects within our boundaries. If the United States does not represent the greatest sheep and wool producing nation on the globe, it will not be for lack of favourable conditions and capacity.

Tho wool growers of (!io Uiited State? number about 40\0X) f.-mn*rs and flockrr."n. They am fmm 1 in every State, from Maine to California, and from Dakota to Texas. While oth-r Industrie?are largely local, (his is well-nigh universal. Although from circumstances especially favourable, this industry is far more prominent in some sections than in others, the proof (hat it is of general interest is tho fact that it is an interest of more or less importance in every State and Territory. Theep flourish in every part of the globe where the high-r civilisation is possible, and wherever the human racii found in its highest type, there we find this industry prominent.