SHEEP FARMING IN CALIFORNIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1241, 11 September 1875, Page 18

SHEEP FARMING IN CALIFORNIA.

Facts in relation to the management of sheep in foreign countries are always interesting, if not useful, to our woolgrowers. We take the following article from the San Francisco Bulletin :—: — More Pacts.— The sheep ranch of Severance and Peet does not exceed one hundred acres. On this farm Spanish merinos only are raised. The Independent makes the following statement :— " Two years ago, Messrs Severance and Peet imported 500 of these merinos from Vermont, and put them on a ranch at Niles of 100 acres, which they had just purchased of Denison Henlon. This flock is strictly a stud flock, all the male increase being sold annually for the imprdvement of large herds of common sheep. Yet last year, the yield of wool was fully 8000 pounds, which, at 25 cents per pound, amounted to 2000 dols, almost enough to cover the total annual expense. The aggregate of the annual sales for 1874 was 40,000 dols ; the average price received for ewes was 60 dols ; for ranis 75 dols. Occasionally a very choice animal is .sold for:. a much higher price .

thus, this spring a ram was sold for 1400 dolsj which had taken the sweepstake premium for any age or breed in the State. Messrs Severance and Peet's flock drew ten premiums at the last State Agricultural Fair at Sacramento." No doubt the profits of raising thoroughbred sheep, as set down here, are rather the extreme cases. But the showing for long wool and mutton sheep, raised within a reasonable distance of San Francisco, will be nearly as satisfactory where alfalfa is extensively cultivated.

Sheep-Shears. — When Mr Calder, of Polkemet station, was in the old country (says the Hamilton Spectator), he visited the works of Messrs Serby and Sons, and pointed out to them the defects in their manufacture of sheep shears. Under Mr Calder's supervision, a quantity of improved instruments were made, and the rirm promised faithfully to adhere to the directions given by that gentleman. The alterations are, a better grip and improved blades. Mr C. G. Rasmusaen, of Horsham, ha 3 received a large consignment of these shears, manufactured expressly for the requirements of the Wimmera ; also another kind, suitable for sandy country.