258 THE SHEEP OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



allowance of roots was given, and water ad libitum. The ewes 

 were very healthy, and had abundance of milk. We cannot too 

 strongly urge the great importance of a regular and abundant 

 supply of water. We are aware that this was not recognised 

 in former days, and there are a few flockmasters who adhere to 

 old-fashioned ways ; but science and common sense indicate 

 that access to water is most desirable. Then, if required, it 

 will be taken ; and especially is it absolutely necessary during 

 the lambing period and in summer time. 



With proper care and attention on the part of the shepherd 

 ewes can be wintered very reasonably on regular breeding farms. 

 One of the most practical and successful Cotswold hill farmers 

 we know managed as follows : Three hundred ewe tegs took the 

 top of the turnips, gnawing them, and having hay. Six hundred 

 ewes followed, eating the remains of the turnips and straw. 

 These lay back at nights in a fold-yard kept well littered by the 

 refuse straw removed from the racks. It is surprising what a 

 quantity of straw may be thus consumed, how small a weight 

 of turnips suffices, and what a good manure heap results, which, 

 with proper management, is in excellent condition for the young 

 seeds the next year, if required. 



Where ewes are wintered on sound grass land (a practice 

 which prevails on the land less adapted for sheep), we prefer to 

 give pulped roots with chop, composed of hay and straw, over 

 which a little meal is dusted. Here, again, it is surprising how 

 well repaid we are for care and attention. Nothing can do 

 better than ewes thus treated in the autumn ; and from then to 

 Christmas, if the weather is open, the grass, if plentiful, with a 

 few turnip tops or an occasional load of turnips, suffices to keep 

 the ewes thriving ; then a supply of pulp, &c., once a day, makes 

 up what they cannot find for themselves ; and later on, as they 

 become heavy with lamb, the pulp may be given twice a day. 



