264 THE SHEEP OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



attention to the importance of quiet treatment. The shepherd 

 must know his sheep, and be known by them. Kind, gentle 

 ways will enable him to exercise his power and skill to the greatest 

 advantage. Unfortunately we cannot always meet with servants 

 who really take a keen interest in their work ; hence it is well 

 that the master should keep a watchful eye over affairs, not 

 omitting occasionally to take a turn at night work. We have 

 known sad mistakes made from overtasking the shepherd, who 

 cannot properly do his work when overpowered by fatigue ; for 

 a month or six weeks he must be up several times during the 

 night, and occasionally, in a busy time, which usually happens 

 when the weather is wet and stormy, he gets no rest at all. At 

 such times assistance should be provided, so that the man can 

 rest during the day. The hut should be warm, and have a 

 stove and bed, with appliances for heating water, gruel, &c. 

 Beer is undesirable, as tending to induce sleep, but good coffee 

 and nourishing food should be provided abundantly. 



