84 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



uct for the consumer and make very economical gains for the producer. 

 There are other reasons for marketing lambs at this time. First, lambs 

 gain very little during hot summer months; second, there is risk of losing 

 them through the internal parasites; third, one avoids heaviest run of 

 western lambs; and lastly, one gets the use of his money earlier. 



Shearing the Flock. Time of shearing depends on the weather, the 

 season and the locality and equipment. It is advisable to shear as soon 

 as warm weather begins in the spring. Late shearing is unadvisable, as 

 the sheep will lose in weight if compelled to carry heavy fleeces. They 



AN ANGORA BucK. 1 



are also liable to lose some of their wool during the later months. Well- 

 fed ewes with comfortable sheds may be sheared fairly early. They will 

 not suffer if the days should become a little cool. Wethers fed under 

 the same conditions may often be sheared as early as March. They will 

 gain faster when fleeces are removed. Care should be exercised to see 

 that they do not overeat at this time. 



Both hand shearing and machine shearing are practiced. 



Dipping the Flock. All sheep should be dipped for three reasons. 

 First, to promote healthy condition of the skin; second, as a remedy for 

 scabies in sheep; third, to kill the lice and ticks. 



* From Farmers' Bulletin 573, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. 



