FITTING SHEEP FOR SHOW RING AND MARKET. 151 



PART IV. 



Forage Crops Roots. 



N many parts of our great country the climate 

 does not allow of the pasturing of sheep during 

 the winter months. Sheep are lovers of suc- 

 culent food and are known to thrive better on 

 such than on dry fodder, etc.; therefore it be- 

 hooves us to look well ahead and make prep- 

 aration for supplying them accordingly. How 

 can we do this? Simply by providing them with roots such 

 as mangels, beets, turnips, rutabagas, etc. All of the above- 

 named roots grow very satisfactorily in most parts of North 

 America, and they furnish a ration more conducive to the 

 growth of the young and growing animal than almost any 

 other. 



The value of roots for sheep should be measured not only 

 from a feeding standpoint, but also from a medicinal point of 

 view, as they are, without doubt, a valuable corrector of the 

 digestive system. Generally they are very easily and cheaply 

 produced. Where the land is very fertile large crops can be 

 raised with very little outlay of either labor or capital. 



Of course where it is intended that large quantities of 

 roots be raised for the use of the flock during the winter sea- 

 son, ample provision should be made for the keeping of 

 same by providing suitable cellars in close proximity to the 

 sheep barns where they can be stored and used without dan- 



