584 THE SHEEP OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



market by sainfoin, with a moderate allowance of oilcake or 

 oats. The lambs are protected in the ewe-pen for three or 

 four davs after birth, but are oarlv brought into the fields, 

 as tlie shepherds consider too much attention tends to weaken 

 and render thorn tender. As regards autumn management, 

 Mr. Ellmann speaks highly of rape, but cautions the public 

 against its indiscriminate use in a wet season without the 

 addition of dry food ; this, we think, applies to any description 

 of sheep. The food is raw, and contains a large percentage 

 of nitrogen, consequently it causes inflammation of the uterus ; 

 the affection commences in the liver, followed by general 

 debility. In such cases opium is recommended as the best 

 remedy. The Southdown, though naturally active and rest- 

 less, Ivars close stocking, especially when not accustomed to 

 the lunge of down land; the ewes are fairly prolific, but the 

 pRiportion of doubles depends materially upon the condition 

 of the ewes when the ram is introduced, and the nature of 

 the food during the time the ram is with them. Except the 

 dam and lamb aiv supplied with extra diet, which is done 

 when fat lambs are produced — for which we do not think the 

 Pown so suitable as many other breeds — the maturity of 

 the Southdown is slow as comj>ared with Longwools. They 

 can be brought out at about 1 year to 16 months, but 

 fivquently cxune out of grass in the autumn. The size juid 

 quality command top prices. "With the establishment of lamb 

 classes at Islington, givat progress lias been made as reganls 

 early maturity, Mr. Upton's lambs, which took the breed cup 

 at the show of I88(>, l>eing extremely perfect, and the class so 

 good that it was highly commended. 



