28 FITTING SHEEP 



permits of same. To keep high-bred sheep confined in close 

 quarters for any length of time, is to court disaster. 



Exercise. 



Exercise is one of the most potent factors in the prepara- 

 tion of exhibition sheep. It means health, firm flesh bloom. 

 In the final course of preparation, all show stock should be 

 allowed ample exercise in the yard, or paddock, not less 

 than once a day; twice being better. Rams should be taught 

 to lead whilst young. A halter can be cheaply made out of 

 medium sized rope, and answers the purpose equally as well 

 as costly leather ones. Needless to say, perhaps, exercise 

 should be gentle and regular. 



Care of Feet. 



This is an highly important matter. Each foot should from 

 time to time be carefully examined and if trimming is neces- 

 sary should be carefully attended to without a moment's 

 delay; ofttimes grave results follow neglect of trivial matters 

 of this kind. Foot-rot is ofttimes directly traceable to the 

 neglect of careful trimming of the hoof. In trimming, pare 

 with a view of giving the foot a firm, level bearing. In case 

 of foot "fouling" (getting sore between the dibits of the foot) 

 finely powdered blue-stone (blue vitriol) should be applied; 

 this will arrest progress of trouble, if attended to without 

 delay. If "foul-foot" is neglected, foot-rot ensues; the sheep 

 rapidly loses flesh, and the chances are slim of the animal's 

 appearing in the ring with any bloom, or even at all during 

 the season. 



