The Sheep Industry. Montana is Now the Largest Wool Producing State in the Union and Ranks Close to First in the Number of Sheep-Reports on the Industry. The report of the Board of Sheep Commissioners for 1899, shows a total of 3,186,742 sheep in the state, valued at $8,302,944, at an average assessment of $2.622 per head. The estimate of the National Association of Wool Manufacturers of Boston places the number of sheep in Montana at 3,218,802. By either estimate Montana is eaisly the leading sheep raising state of the Union. Estimating the wool product of the state at not far from twenty million pounds, and the average price at 16 cents per pound, would indicate something over $3,000,000 received from that source. From the lamb crop and sales of mutton half as much more might be added, making the total yield. something near $4,500,000. The commission gives the following as made from their returns for 1899: Figures from returns to the State Board of Equalization. **Rams. ***These sheep were driven into Valley County for shipment. ! This number includes about 50,000 sheep which are being fed for the mutton market, and also about 30,000 head on the Indian Reservation which are probably not listed elsewhere. * One flock-master lost 175 head from blood-poisoning at shearing time. In a report made last year to the sheep commission, dealing especially with the condition and diseases that endanger the flocks of Montana, Dr. M. E. Knowles, the able state veterinarian, said: "It is the common belief among sheepmen that the disease known among sheep as foot-rot cannot become a part of the sheep diseases in this state. It is my belief that this is an erroneous idea, and that on general principles it is always a dangerous thing to juggle with fire. There is no doubt that some few cases of foot-rot have been imported into Montana during the past year or two, and that these sheep did not come in contact with others in a manner to spread the infection is probably not due to the surveillance of those that were interested. It is my belief that any contagious or infectious disease can exist in Montana, as weil as it may elsewhere, and that the continued importation of sheep suffering from this disease will ultimately prove disastrous to your interests, there can be no question. The fact is that foot-rot has no gegoraphical limit. It is said, however, to have only been known in Europe since the end of the last century, and to have been observed in Merinos imported into England from Spain. It was taken across the Pyrennes into France, and prevailed extensively therein during 1791. In Australia, it is exceedingly common. Randall says that it is common in America, but claims that it prevails mainly among the Merinos, and to a lesser extent with the coarser varieties. "The disease is an inflammation and ulceration of the vascular structures of the feet. It is manifested by a separation of the hoofs, lameness, and other diseased alterations, the feet emanating a strong odorous matter, which contains the principle of infection. It first affects one, two or more feet, but in its ordinary manifestation only one, passing slowly to the others. There will be observed early in its onset a lameness in the affected limb, ordinarily a front one; however, if examined at this period, perhaps no indication of the disease will be observed. In a few days the hoofs are found painful and hot on manipulation, and particularly so when the claws are separated the skin about the superior part of the hoof and between the claws looks red, smooth pimples, pustules or vesicles, and a foul-smelling, cheese-like or oily matter covers the part. In a short time, if the skin is examined, between the exudation you will find a number of small ulcers which contrast with the white ness of the surrounding parts and gradually run together. The discharge is In two of a yellow color, and sticky, possessing much smell of ammonia. weeks to a month, separation of the upper part of the hoof takes place toward the heel, and a greasy, dark colored, foul, odorous fluid is secreted. The separation of the hoof going on from before to behind, the sides, however, remaining unaltered. In from 30 to 35 days the heel, in many cases, has nearly recovered, but between the toes the ulceration is extending, is deeper, and causes great pain. If loosened horn be removed, the living textures are seen to be swollen, of a bright red color, and covered with the same odorous matter already mentioned. The suffering is increased, and the animal dull and feverish, the lameness being so intense that the animal hesitates to put its foot on the ground, and if all feet be involved, it assumes a recumbent |