196 LIVE STOCK MANAGEMENT. 



flock masters, is that of separating the ewes into four differ- 

 ent lots, as follows: 



1. A yard of ewes heavy in lamb. 



2. A yard of ewes with single lamb. 



3. A yard of ewes with twin lambs. 



4. A yard of ewes with very young lambs. 



The first indications of lambing are: filling of the udder, 

 and later, restlessness, deep color and swollen condition of 

 the vulva, droop on either side of backbone, lowering of 

 belly, distracted look, and a clear discharge from vulva. 

 When these conditions are noticed, the ewe should be brought 

 into an enclosure and watched, if the weather is severe, and 

 especially if it is disagreeable and raining. A cold rain is 

 more detrimental to a new-born lamb than a lower and dryer 

 temperature nearly at zero. If a ewe has been well managed 

 previous to lambing, very little, if any, trouble will be ex- 

 perienced in bringing forth her offspring; but if she has been 

 neglected, of course "bad luck" is apt to make its frequent 

 visits. It is highly important that quietness prevail around 

 the sheep barn during the lambing season. One of the worst 

 things that can happen to a ewe is to be chased by a dog. 

 This should be carefully guarded against by every shepherd. 



Under the best of management and care some ewes of 

 the flock have serious trouble in giving birth to their progeny. 

 Unnecessary interference with a ewe in labor is unwise. 

 It is much better to let nature take its course until it is 

 evident that help is really needed. The birth of a lamb is 

 always easy when the ewe is strong. A weak ewe, how- 

 ever, has always more trouble in giving birth to her offspring 

 than one that has been duly prepared for the occasion by 

 good care and feeding. The absence of shelter is usually a 

 very costly instance of want of thrift on the part of the 

 flock master. A lamb is a small thing; but it is generally 

 the income from these small things that determine the profits 

 in the sheep business. It is very essential that absence of 

 all disturbances by other sheep be avoided, and close atten- 

 tion be given the ewe by the shepherd until the lamb is on 

 its feet and sucking. 



The foetus, if in the normal or natural position, should be 

 found with the head resting upon the two forelegs, and in 

 that case assistance is not usually required at parturition. 

 Some of the abnormal presentations or positions commonly 

 met with are as follows: One foreleg bent back; both fore- 



