6th. If ewes were not shorn in fall, shear as early as you dare. 



7th. Feed ewes green food, such as ensilage, turnips, carrots, 

 mangles, etc., with some corn. 



If ewes lambed previous fall and are dry, this feed is not neces- 

 sary until a few weeks before you are to put the ram with them. 

 But no matter what the condition of ewes, no matter what you have 

 been feeding, increase the quantity at this time. For remember that 

 during fall a ewe is naturally gaining flesh, while during spring the 

 tendency is to lose flesh. Reverse this tendency as far as a little 

 feed will do it, and make that extra food as nearly "green as grass" 

 as you can. And remember, never, NEVER let lambs be born later 

 than April or before September. Separate your rams from your 

 ewes the first of November. Any ewes not with lamb then will 

 breed for next fall and late lambs are of little value as a rule and to 

 be discountenanced among Dorsets. 



GETTING THE PROFITS. 



I have mentioned the feeling of sentiment that doubtless con- 

 tributes to the persistency with which the shepherds of Dorsetshire 

 cling to their favorite breed. In our country there is little of senti- 

 ment in sheep breeding; we are newer at the business; we have an 

 immense expanse of land; a varied climate, and nearly all breeds of 

 sheep in all parts of the country. There is none of that confining 

 of a certain breed to a certain county, or even state or section. And 

 it is this faith in the breeding of one kind of sheep by the inhabit- 

 ants of a limited area that creates sentiment. But of profit well, 

 if all haven't it, all want it. And I say again, no breed has a great- 

 er capacity for profit than the Dorset. Properly understood, and 

 consistently handled on the basis of such understanding, a small flock 

 will surely add a pleasing sum to the annual income, while a good 

 sized flock, such as the average farm of the Eastern and Middle 

 States could surely carry, will represent a good living. For instance, 

 1 know of one man who for years has realized about $2,000 annual- 

 ly from a flock of about 100 ewes. This is equal to the sales from 

 a good sized dairy, yet the cost of feed and labor would be much 

 less. Surely as an early lamb raiser the Dorset is a money maker. 

 When you have studied the breed and business, make a start, you 

 will then realize fully the pleasures and profits. 



