376 



Missouri Agricultural Report. 



SELECTING THE RAM. 



The best breed of rams to cross on ewes, such as those described 

 in the preceding paragraphs, will probably be found among the 

 middle wool or Down breeds of sheep. The Shropshire, Hamp- 

 shire, Southdown or Oxford breeds have been found altogether sat- 

 isfactory for this type of sheep farming. In selecting the indi- 

 vidual ram it will be found profitable to buy a pure-bred regis- 

 tered animal of a high degree of excellence. The ram should be of 

 good size, preferably one or two years old, showing the true mut- 

 ton type with broad, well covered back, carrying the width evenly 

 from shoulder to loin, and comparatively level to the tail head. 

 The top and bottom line should be straight, the back strong, the 

 skin a pink color, the eyes vigorous and clear. A broad, deep 

 chest will be indicative of a strong, vigorous constitution. 



REGISTERED PURE BRED RAMS. 

 At a Missouri County Fair. 



MATING THE EWES. 



The ewe flock should be in a thrifty and well-nourished condi- 

 tion when they are bred to the ram. It is highly important that 

 every ewe should be improving in condition when bred. The best 

 shepherds accomplish this result by "flushing" the ewes. The 

 practice of flushing is accomplished by turning the ewes on a fresh 

 pasture two weeks before it is desired to breed them. 



One ram for forty or fifty ewes is the right proportion. It is 



