Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1890 — THE STOCK RANCH. [ARTICLE]

THE STOCK RANCH.

Hheltern for Sheep. Shelter from fall, winter and spring storms, is of the utmost Importance. The flock during these portions of the year, is carrying quite heavy coats, which, when once soaked with water, take a long time to dry out, during which time the animal must suffer much discomfort. If you doubt this, step out into one of these storms, get a good wetting, and remain outside until dry. Strong, cold winds of these seasons, also are very uncomfortable for the flock as well as for their owner. To avoid the losses coming from exposure to such storms, substantial plain shelters will pay large interest on the money invested in them. They may be built of poles and straw, boards, stone or brick; but of whatever material, there are a few points the flock-master must keep in view in their construction. They must be on sufficient high ground so that the flock will be always dry under foot, and so roofed as to always insure dryness on the back. Ventilated, so as to be free from all foul air and from all drafts, with plenty of light and never too warm. There is not much fear of cold injuring the flock If they can be kept dry and protected from wind. A frame structure is probably the best and cheapest in most localities. We have found a stone basement eight to nine feet high, built above the ground, with a number of windows and wide doors that can be kept open in pleasant weather, to be very good; especially when dur lambs were being dropped in early spring, before the cold weather is past. The great danger in the stone basement is in keeping the flock too warm, which is much more liable to injure them than cold. Overcrowding in the shed should be avoided. Live Stock Note*. Have the team well shod, or not at all. Always breed from a stallion that will improve your stock. Hard work is not so apt to injure a horse as the failure to receive proper attention after the work. The colt raised in a stall or close lot is apt to be more awkward and soft than one given plenty of room. If there are burrs In your corn field or pasture it won’t pay tp turn the sheep in there to pick. It will pick the price of the wool at shearing time. The three leading beef breeds are summed up by a good judge and careful feeder of cattle in this way: “Polled Angus and Shorthorns are fine, but for gain on grass the Hereford loads.” Be sure there are no pitfalls for the stock to get into. If you have open wells in the pasture, fence them strongly; have good posts well set and good boards or wires well stretched. If the wells are of use no longer, fill them up; that is by far the safer plan. Even the loss of a calf is more than the worth of time to make these places safe. A successful feeder of steers, when coming from the Illinois State Fair, held last October, remarked, “Judging from the class of stock of all breeds shown at Peoria there should be some good steers in this Section of the country, and there

is.” Good steers follow in the wake of good sires. Grade up vour stock by the use of good bulls.— Farm, Field and Stockman.