Last week we discussed how quality soil effected both the physical and mental health of the Hunzakuts who resided near the Himalayan peaks in Pakistan.
This week we continue discussing quality soil, but this time how it effects sheep. It all began over 300 years ago in a town in Leominster when Izaak Walton observed differences in health, in wool quality, in the sheen of body color, and in the quality of muscle meat.
He noted, “It is certain that fields in Leominster are observed to make sheep that graze upon them more fat than the next, and also bear finer wool; that is to say, in that year in which they feed in a particular pasture, they shall yield finer wool than they did that year before they came to feed upon it, and coarser again if they shall return to their former pasture; and again return to a finer wool being fed on the finer wool ground. Which I tell you, that you may better believe that I am certain, if I catch a trout in one meadow he shall be white and faint, and very likely be lousy; and as certainly as if I catch a trout in the next meadow, he shall be strong, red, lusty, and much better meat. Trust me, I have caught many a trout in a particular meadow, that the very shape and enameled color of him was made such as hath joyed me to look on him; and I have then with much pleasure concluded with Solomon, ‘Everything is beautiful in its season.’”
In short he noticed a difference in the presence or absence of insect infestations of sheep and of fish related to the fertility of soil.
Join us next week as we discuss nutrition as it relates to various forms of native vegetation.
Until next time, happy trails!