48 FITTING SHEEP 



educated. An animal standing "all in a heap" is anything but 

 a pleasing picture, even to the most casual observer. Sheep, 

 I must admit, are somewhat "dumb," but they are capable of 

 being taught far more than many are willing to give them 

 credit for. Constant handling makes them tame and man- 

 ageable. Sheep that have been used to being led with the hal- 

 ter will soon learn what is required of them, and will readily 

 follow their shepherd through a dense crowd of people un- 

 haltered. 



To make a sheep "stand out" at word of command, square 

 upon its feet and in a natural, graceful manner, put your left 

 hand underneath its lower jaw, or chin, and the other hand 

 on his loin, gently pressing same. Violence or force must not 

 be confounded with care, and gentleness or harm may re- 

 sult. The pupil will soon understand what is required of him 

 and upon having recourse to the above method described will 

 soon assume the desired "poise." 



How to Reduce Show Stock. 



Very many valuable sheep are no doubt ruined by injudi- 

 cious and improper treatment after their mission in the show 

 yard has terminated. 



The proper management in the reduction of show stock to 

 normal breeding condition is, to the writer's way of thinking, 

 imperfectly understood. Whilst visiting the English "Royal" 

 many years ago I was struck by a reply of one of the greatest 

 shepherds of that day made to an inquisitive visitor who 

 questioned him in regard to the reduction of his show stock 

 to normal breeding condition. "Do you keep these sheep as 

 fat as they now are always or do you reduce their flesh when 



