452 MODERN FARRIER. 



fatal. During summer and winter, sheep are com- 

 monly healthy, when they are not absolutely starv- 

 ed. It is chiefly in spring and autumn when they 

 show symptoms of bad health. Sudden changes in 

 the quality of their food, are the causes of the gene- 

 ral unhealthiness experienced at these seasons of the 

 year. Such alterations are not more injurious than 

 quick transitions from plenty to scarcity, and from 

 scarcity to plenty. When an animal has been 

 highly fed, and accustomed for a length of time to 

 eat regularly, any sudden alteration in its habits 

 soon occasions disease. On the other hand, nothing 

 is more dangerous to an animal which has been 

 starving, than placing it all at once in the midst of 

 plenty. 



It is of consequence that sheep-pastures be uni- 

 form, whether rich or poor. Wet grounds, where 

 water stagnates, are unfit for sheep pasture. Wet 

 peaty ground is not so dangerous, nor is there much 

 risk when sheep go on land over which water tric- 

 kles constantly. Stagnant pools, where rank grasses 

 grow^, should be carefully avoided, as in such situa- 

 tions sheep are liable to the rot. 



Turnips, as a holding-out winter food for sheep, 

 are unquestionably excellent, particularly when not 

 given in too large quantities, and with some sort of 

 dry food with them, as sainfoin hay in this season, 

 common hay, cut pea, bean, or wheat straw. There 

 is also said to be an advantage in having them drawn 

 one or two days before they are used, in some dis- 

 tricts, and even in having them stacked. But pota- 

 toes are thought a much better food than turnips in 

 other parts where sheep are a great object, as being 

 more fully and regularly to be depended on, and as 

 preventing the diseases to which the animals are 

 liable in a more effectual manner. The Swedish 

 turnip come into use the latest, as ip the early spring. 



Cabbages, as a food for sheep, are of great import- 

 ance and utility in many situations, particularly in 



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