37 



will do well, in summer, on grass alone, in flocks ranging from one hun- 

 dred to two hundred, if kept within enclosures ; but they can be kept, in 

 much larger flocks, by allowing them to run at large on our prairies and 

 openings, where there is an extensive range. When kept in this way, a 

 shepherd should be with them, to keep them from straying, and collect 

 them together at night. In winter, I keep my sheep on our wild hay, 

 and they can be kept very well on hay only ; but I think it much better 

 to feed some grain. I think Avheat bran the best, especially for breeding 

 ewes ; and if I wish to feed heavier, I mix boiled barley and oats. Oats 

 is a very good grain for sheep, and I think feeding in the straw prefera- 

 ble. Potatoes, turnips, carrots, and beets are excellent for sheep, when 

 the weather is mild, but, when very cold, I think grain better. Some 

 method should be taken to prevent the sheep from running over their 

 fodder ; either with racks or boxes. I prefer the latter, made of boards, 

 about one foot in width, with a space, seven or eight inches, between 

 them, and two and a half feet wide. Sheds should be provided, and it 

 is better if they can be arranged so as to feed under shelter, and con- 

 fine the flock there during storms. Sheep require water as much as any • 

 other stock. It should be situated convenient to the yard ; for if it is not, 

 they will go without for days, in very severe weather, rather than expose 

 themselves to the piercing Avinds — which is very injurious. 



Almon Atwood." 



Wesley P. Bensox's Statement. 



"My sheep are bred from two of the most popular flocks of Spanish 

 Merinos in Vermont — (the Brewer and Atwood flocks). The weight of 

 wool of my buck, when one year old, was thirteen pounds ; and his weight 

 of carcass was one hundred and twenty-six pounds. 



''From the earliest ages, sheep have been classed among the most val- 

 uable of domestic animals. Previous to the deluge, they were oflfered in 

 sacrifices ; and since that period, their flesh has been used for food, and 

 their wool for clothing, in all quarters of the world. 



•'No other animal requires so much attention to its food, during win- 

 ter, as the sheep. When first brought in for the winter, they are usually 

 confined in so small a space, and in such numbers, that the air becomes 

 impure, and will soon produce disease. It will be a great preventive of 

 disease, to smear their noses with tar, as often as once in two weeks, 



