SOLON ROBINSON, 1844 399 



ways stop, the sun an hour high. And above all things 

 before you start, procure an account of the sufferings of 

 the prisoners confined in the black hole of Calcutta, and 

 whenever you are tempted, "to save trouble," to shut 

 your flock up at night in some dirty little yard, just read 

 that account before you do it. Give them at night ample 

 room to spread themselves. 



After you have got a little out of the settlements, you 

 need not seek for a lot at night at all Here now your 

 horse comes of use. Ride ahead, and select some good 

 spot for your camp; place the wagon, and gather the 

 flock around it, and with a little salt tell them that is 

 their home. Then let them graze till dark, and then herd 

 them all up around "home," and they will soon lie down, 

 and your dogs under the wagon will take care of the rest 

 till morning. You have no idea how cheap you can travel 

 in this way. The expense on the road will not amount to 

 $1 50 a-day. 



A few sheep will fall lame. These and any sickly 

 lambs, should be at once disposed of for what they will 

 fetch; as they tend to detain the whole flock, and soon 

 cost more than they come to. 



I would advise that the flock should be of a medium 

 grade of wool, and all strong young sheep. If a finer 

 grade of wool is desired, let the bucks be selected for that 

 purpose. A larger per cent, of loss always takes place 

 the first year, than after — and fine wool grows upon the 

 most delicate carcass. This mortality the first year is 

 owing to the fatigue of driving, and some difference of 

 climate and soil, and a very great difference in the feed, 

 both green and dry. 



I will suppose this flock has arrived at the end of its 

 long journey in the month of August, and that you desire 

 to establish winter-quarters upon an entire new plan, or 

 at least upon some small improvement, that you may pur- 

 chase. I would prefer a location of prairie land adjoin- 

 ing timber, having the timber with plenty of brush on 

 the north and west side as a wind-breaker. 



