568 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



and the necessary quantity of spring food. It is 

 likewise important that lambs should be dropped as 

 early as possible, so that they may be well nursed, 

 and able to provide for themselves before the winter 

 commences. 



THE EWE. 



The ewe generally produces one lamb at a birth, 

 sometimes two, and rarely three or four. She goes 

 with young five months, and brings forth in spring. 

 Some, however, produce their lambs at Christmas. 



LAMBING. 



When ewes are far gone in parturition, they 

 should be moved about as seldom as possible, and 

 feed upon dry ground, and in a quiet, retired situation, 

 as much annoyance is apt to make them miscarry. 

 When they happen to part with their lambs prema- 

 turely, they should be taken into the house if the 

 weather be cold ; but if the weather be mild and 

 dry, they may be allowed to remain on the pasturage, 

 if it is in a favourable locality. When ewes are 

 about to yean, they should be located on as dry and 

 smooth ground as possible, which will be of much 

 benefit to them, as well as to their lambs. 



When lambs are dropped on a place where they 

 have difficulty in rising, they ought to be lifted, 

 placed on their feet, and carried close to their dams. 

 But when they can rise without aid, it is better to 

 let them alone. It is usual to dock lambs when two 

 or three days old, but if the weather is cold it should 

 be delayed, and the remaining portion should not 

 exceed two or three inches in length. It is of much 

 consequence for ewes to have short tails, as it not 



