516 Feeds and Feeding. 



done with range sheep brought to feeding points in the Trans- 

 Missouri corn states. 



To give the highest returns the English mutton sheep must be 

 kept in small flocks, where each member can receive attention 

 when needed from the shepherd. Of the mutton breeds, two 

 hundred sheep are probably as many as can be successfully man- 

 aged in one flock, and to secure the best returns from so large a 

 number as this, one should have experience in their management 

 The novice would better begin with a flock of twenty-five, in- 

 creasing the number as experience grows into intelligent, well- 

 directed management. 



786. Quarters for the flock. — Above every other animal on the 

 farm, the sheep to be profitable must be kept dry as to coat and 

 feet; inattention to either of these essentials will result disas- 

 trously. With dry quarters sheep will stand a considerable de- 

 gree of cold without inconvenience; indeed, their quarters should 

 not be as warm as for other farm animals. One thickness of 

 closely-matched boards will make the barn or shed where sheep 

 are confined sufBciently warm in the Northern states except for 

 winter lambs. Ventilation is of great importance and should bo 

 ample, care being taken to avoid direct drafts. 



The amount of space provided for each sheep will vary with 

 the size of the animal. A ewe weighing 100 pounds will require 

 about ten square feet of ground space, while one weighing 150 

 pounds should have fifteen square feet. A space 40x40 feet 

 square will therefore accommodate about 160 sheep weighing 100 

 pounds each, or 100 weighing 160 pounds, not allowing for feed 

 racks. Provide 15 inches running length of feed rack for each 

 sheep weighing 100 pounds, and two feet for those weighing 200 

 pounds. 



787. Winter care of the flock. — The flock should be so divided 

 into groups that all members of the division are of the same age, 

 strength and general characteristics. A flo(;k or division of mut- 

 ton sheep, to give the highest returns, should not contain over 

 fifty members. Aged breeding ewes should constitute one band, 

 the shearing ewes another, the ewe lambs a third, and the wether 

 lambs a fourth. These bands should be again divided if there is 



