SHEEP, SWINE, AND OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 423 



injures the grass, feed them pumpkins, turnip tops, cornstalks, 

 and turnips. 



If any ewes still remain thin, separate them, and feed still 

 better, giving a little grain. Shelter should be convenient of 

 access in all storms, and there should be hay in the racks fof 

 them to nibble. 



But does all this pay, says farmer "Behindhand." Yes, and 

 it is the only way to make large profits out of sheep. A poor 

 flock brings a small percentage of profit, but a first rate flock 

 brings a large percentage. 



A flock brought to the winter in good condition will take the 

 ram readily, few will miss, and it will take but about one-half 

 the time to serve them. They go through the winter much 

 better, especially if it is severe, and drop their lambs within a 

 few days of each other, being in uniform condition, and the 

 lambs partake of the good condition of the ewes. Coupling 

 The ewes selected for the service of a particular ram should be 

 kept by themselves, and the ram let loose among them ; when a 

 ewe is served she should be drawn out of the flock and the 

 initials of the ram stamped on her. As soon as the ram has 

 served six or eight he should be returned, and the ewes sent to 

 the field. The served ewes should be kept apart for thirteen 

 days, when they can be turned in again to the ram. Tlie old 

 method of allowing one or more rams to run with the flock will 

 never be revived again among breeders of any intelligence. 



Teasers have also been discarded. The ram requires extra 

 care and feed for a month before and during the coupling sea- 

 son. No corn should be given, but oats, peas, beans, a little 

 wheat, and the choicest of hay. No excess of food should be 

 given, but just what he will eat up clean at each meal. Earns, 

 we repeat, should at all times be kept separate from each other 

 and from the rest of the flock. Preparing for winter, the flock? 



