SHROPSHIRE SHEPHERDS' CALENDAR 607 



while, the ewes run over the stubbles, and are as often as 

 possible changed to fresh pasture to keep them improving in 

 condition. 



September. This is the month in which the greatest pro- 

 portion of the flock is served by the rams. During the first few 

 weeks a special mark is placed on the served ewes at the end 

 of each week, so that the ewes can be drawn into the lamb- 

 ing-pen weekly in order of service. Special attention, includ- 

 ing drenching, is necessary to prevent lung or throat worms 

 among the lambs. 



October. The shearling ewes are put to the ram early this 

 month, so that they may lamb a little later than the older 

 sheep, and in better spring weather. The rams are generally 

 withdrawn at the end of October (although the rule is not 

 absolute), and winter dipping is then done. 



November and December. The ewes are allowed to run 

 on the grass with, when necessary, an allowance of hay, and 

 as far away from the lambing-pens as possible, until they are 

 well advanced in lamb, when they are brought nearer home, 

 and a little dry artificial food is given, say \ Ib. each, gradu- 

 ally increasing to I Ib. per day. 



January and February. Lambing begins about the 8th of 

 January, and practically closes about the end of February. 

 The greatest number of lambs 

 come in the latter month. 

 All are registered within a 

 week by notch marks in the / 



ears. The number is entered 2o 



, i . n i i i FIG. 45. SYSTEM OF NOTCHING 



in the private flock book THE EARS. 



against the entry of the dam, When the figures required are above 5 or 50, 



i , . ,. . , . , two cuts are made, e.g., for 79 cut 50 and 20 



and a distinguishing number on the off ear, and 5 and 4 on the near ear. 



with paint is placed on each A hole in the centre 

 to correspond with a similar number on its sire. Lambs at 

 a week or ten days old are drafted to the adjoining fields 

 by day and taken into open sheds at night, to harden 

 them off until they are fit to lie night and day in the fields, 

 probably with the shelter of some protection cloths round 

 hurdles. Meanwhile the ewes are well fed on artificial food, 

 and as much kale, swedes, and hay as they can eat ; the 

 lambs running in front, and getting crushed oats and linseed 

 cake. A plentiful supply of rock salt is put within reach of all. 



