OOTSWOLD SHEEP. 308 



cliiefly under the plough ; hence the sheep live on the arable 

 land during the winter, and, owing to the large proportion of 

 clay in the soil, become much draggled in wet weather. We 

 have seen hogs with great balls of dry earth hanging from their 

 breeches ; and so hard do these accumulations become under the 

 influence of March winds, that they have to be removed, other- 

 wise, from constantly knocking against the poor animal's legs, 

 injury would result. 



Formerly, and too frequently even now, the ewes are allowed 

 an almost unlimited supply of turnips, provided the crop is 

 abundant. This is most mischievous treatment, and results in 

 heavy losses. A few turnips, just the pickings up behind the 

 fat sheep, and plenty of dry meat, will be found the best winter 

 treatment until near lambing. 



Should the weather be wet or the soil stiff, we prefer housing 

 them at night in a sheltered straw yard, well supplied with litter. 

 Not only have they the comfort and warmth, but we get in time 

 a quantity of valuable manure. Owing to the severity of the 

 climate, great protection is afforded during lambing time. A 

 fold-yard with shelter-sheds is provided, which is made in the 

 field where the roots are growing at the time. The forward 

 ewes are brought up at nights a few days before lambing 

 commences. The ewe and produce are removed to a small pen 

 under cover, and carefully treated for three or four days ; and, 

 according to weather, the lambs are sheltered at night for a 

 considerable time. Afterwards shelter hurdles are placed about 

 the field. The lambs are delicate and require care, but soon 

 grow out of harm's way. When a month old they are capable 

 of eating, and should be supplied with ground oats, dust oil 

 cake, and bran during the first six months ; and, especially when 

 first weaned, the lambs require great care. When once intro- 

 duced to turnips, they go on at a great rate, and under liberal 

 management are fit for market at from eleven to twelve months 

 old, when they weigh from 221b. to 251b. a quarter. The draft 

 ewes can be fed to immense weights ; we have known instances 

 of their reaching over 701b. a quarter, dead weight. 



