320 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



&quot; Take a four-square scantling, any length desired, and bore holes through it at n ght 

 angles, one on each side alternately, about ten inches apart. Then put through these holes 

 stakes six feet long. The holes should be two inches in diameter, and the stakes should be 

 of good, tough white oak. When completed, it will have the stakes projecting in four direc 

 tions three feet long. Laid upon the ground, it presents a chevaux de-frise that no sheep will 

 jump. A double row of these laid across a clover lot enclosing ten or fifteen feet in width 

 will confine the sheep to that spot, and prevent tramping or picking over the whole field. 

 Not only this, but when they have passed over the field, which is done by simply rolling the 

 double racks, which they resemble, over and over, as the clover is eaten clean, the clover in 

 the rear has renewed itself, and is ready for another going over. This plan applies not only 

 to clover, but to any kind of pasturage, such as sorghum, rye, Egyptian grass, or any of those 

 cultivated grasses that will grow from the stub after being eaten down. 



By judicious management of this hurdle a field infested with noxious weeds can be 

 cleaned completely of them, and at the same time brought to a surpassing state of fertility.&quot; 



Salt for Sheep. It is asserted by some flock-masters that no one thing contributes 

 more to the health of sheep than salt. However this may be, it is absolutely certain that salt 

 is very essential to the health and general welfare of the flock, and that sheep cannot thrive 

 well without it. 



It obviates injury from the great and sudden change from dry to green food in the 

 spring, often so detrimental, and is a preventive against fermentation of the green mass in 

 the stomach, as well as of some of the other difficulties and diseases to which sheep are 

 liable. 



The best manner of supplying the flock with salt is to have it in boxes where it will be 

 well protected from the rain, and where the sheep can have access to it whenever they wish. 

 If this plan is not followed, they should have a supply given them at least once a week. 

 Some shepherds prefer a little sulphur mixed with the salt. We believe those flocks thrive 

 best, other conditions being equal, that have a constant supply of salt, and clean, fresh water, 

 where they have access to them whenever they choose. 



Water Supply for Sheep. Although it is often claimed that sheep are an excep 

 tion to domestic animals generally in respect to the necessity of a supply of water in order to 

 be kept in a thrifty and healthy condition, and that they can get along just as well without 

 it, depending upon the dew that is nightly deposited upon the grass for quenching their thirst, 

 yet we doubt if any sensible shepherd of sufficient practical experience to thoroughly under 

 stand his business would concur in such an opinion. That sheep can live in pastures without 

 a supply of water is probably true, and cannot be denied; but that they will thrive as well 

 with such treatment, and prove as healthy or profitable, we do not believe can be proved. 

 The regularity with which they visit the accessible drinking places, and the pleasure and 

 satisfaction evinced by them as they there slake their thirst, proves that Nature intended 

 water as much for the sheep as other animals, and leaves no ground for debate as to the 

 desirability of having a plentiful supply of good water within their reach. Sheep require 

 less water than most of the other domestic animals, but they should never be subjected to the 

 entire privation of it. It is often noticeable in a flock of sheep, when being driven quite a 

 distance, that, although they may be very tired from a long journey, they will sometimes, all 

 at once, seem inspired with a new impulse, and, lifting their heads, hurry off in a certain 

 direction, as though all were of one mind respecting reaching a certain point as soon as 

 possible it may be a mile or more distant the entire flock often galloping off in &quot;sheep- 

 trot &quot; style in that one direction, which, when the point is reached, will be found to be a 

 spring or other water supply, where they will quench their thirst; thus showing how much 

 keener is the sense with which they will scent water than that of any other animal, and how 



