EOMNEY MARSH SHEEP. 325 



We remember passing through a portion of the Marsh during 

 winter, and being struck with two things — the exceeding 

 greenness of the grass, and the number of big, robust-looking 

 ewes, which rather crowded than dotted the plain. A keen east 

 wind penetrated our bones, despite our Ulster, yet the sheep 

 minded it not a bit ; and we learnt, to our great surprise, that, 

 save in deep snow or prolonged frost, they fended for themselyes, 

 and then only got a mouthful of hay. No wonder that they held 

 their own; they were on their native ground, and not to be 

 disturbed. There are still large graziers who object to using 

 hay, even when the ground is covered with snow, preferring the 

 sheep to scratch down to the grass. In former times it was but 

 too common for the ewes to be left entirely unprotected during 

 the lambing season, and great were the losses in times of severe 

 frost. Now the ewes are placed in a sheltered inclosure near 

 the homestead, or a temporary ewe-pen is erected, wherein the 

 ewes lie at nights, supplied with hay and a few turnips, if they 

 can be spared, and where the lamb is sheltered for the first few 

 days of its existence, care being taken not to render it delicate 

 by too much protection. The present value of breeding stock 

 will encourage greater care than ever, and any reasonable 

 expense is justified in order to save the lambs. Great benefit 

 has been found from closely thatched hurdles, set up crossways 

 with strong stakes, so as to be storm-proof. Thus, from what- 

 ever quarter the " stormy winds do blow," the lambs can gain 

 shelter, of which they are sure to avail themselves. More care 

 is bestowed upon the supply of proper food. In some cases, in 

 addition to hay, bruised oats, or other nourishing food, is given 

 to the ewes ; and no doubt such care, by increasing the supply 

 of milk, tends to bigger and healthier lambs, and so repays the 

 outlay. The grass, whether from the fertile nature of the 

 alluvial or the presence of salt, is peculiarly nutritious and 

 healthy ; and, with occasional assistance in the way we have 

 indicated, the ewes thrive wonderfully. 



In a district where the spring months are generally so cold, 

 early lambing is not desirable, and consequently we find the 

 Marsh farmers seldom turn out the ram before the beginning of 

 October. The ewes are tolerably prolific; from twenty-five to 

 thirty per cent, of doubles is not uncommon. They nurse well, 



