118 FITTING SHEEP 



at a time. If the searing iron is dipped in lard in which 

 a little verdigris is mixed danger from inflammation follow- 

 ing the operation is limited. A little of the mixture when 

 melted, but not too hot, poured into the scrotum has a 

 beneficial effect. Usually aged rams get very stiff after being 

 castrated; this condition, however, soon passes away. 



When aged rams or lambs are castrated during hot weather 

 tar should be smeared over the wound to prevent the flies, 

 from attacking it. 



Docking. 



The most favorable time for docking lambs is when about 

 six days old. The danger from shock and excessive bleeding 

 is then very slight. I have never performed the operation 

 with anything but a common jack-knife, or a butcher's knife. 



In performing the operation unassisted, the operator holds 

 the lamb between his legs, in a standing position, and after 

 pushing the skin df the tail well up towards the vent, with, 

 one quick, clean cut the tail is severed. 



Of course, the operation can be more satisfactorily per- 

 formed by having attendants catch and hold the lambs during; 

 the operation. 



In docking old sheep a piece of twine should be tied 

 tightly around the tail at a point immediately above where 

 it is intended to cut it off. This prevents excessive bleed- 

 ing. After the elapse of a few hours the twine should be 

 taken off. If the weather is warm and damp, flies are liable 

 to bother the wounds. To prevent this, smear tar on the 

 wound. 



