LECTURE LX. 



SHEDS OR HOUSES SUITABLE FOR SHEEP. 



Sheep, unlike many other kinds of stock, do not require 

 elaborate buildings. There is no need of an expensive 

 structure, but ample provision must be made for the com- 

 fort of the animals. In this connection, however, the severity 

 of the winter must be considered. In those sections of the 

 country where the winters are long and severe more water 

 and more expensive sheep barns are needed than in the 

 milder climate. Plenty of room should be provided, as 

 sheep do not do well in cramped quarters. The fleece of 

 the sheep serves as means of protection in time of cold. 

 One thing, however, which must not be overlooked is the 

 fact that sheep must have dry quarters. They will not thrive 

 in damp quarters. They must be kept dry under foot and 

 overhead if the best of results are expected. Sheep in the 

 natural state always seek high ground, where it is dry and 

 clear. 



In dry climates and especially where the lambs are not 

 dropped early in the season, sheep may be kept in almost 

 any kind of a structure that will be dry under foot; provide 

 shelter from draughts and storms. In many such instances 

 a shed made from poles covered with straw or native hay, 

 fixed in such a way as to prevent draughts and dampness due 

 to dripping, has served an admirable purpose for the beginner 

 in the sheep business. 



In some instances the basement of a barn is used for sheep, 

 but as a general rule such a place is not dry enough, espe- 

 cially in the spring of the year, thus is oftentimes very un- 

 healthy. 



Where the sheep barn is built as a separate building it 

 should be high enough to provide ample room for the storage 

 of a considerable amount of hay and straw overhead. This 

 will add very much to the convenience of the same and re- 

 duce very materially the amount of labor required in caring 

 for the flock. The barn should be narrow and long rather 



