MATING. 23 



If possible, in mating, profit by experience ; that is to say, call 

 to mind or actually see the result of previous mating, go daily 

 amongst your sheep and get to know them thoroughly and in- 

 dividually, as you will find this will assist you greatly at the 

 mating season. This is such a complex question that the best 

 of judges are deceived ; and some of the best stock in the 

 Kingdom has been bred from animals that might easily have 

 been passed over by experienced judges in the show-yard. 



Again, it is often the case that an undersized ewe or other 

 female produces large-framed stock. 



When the ewes are first put to the ram, flushing, (i.e., placing 

 them on a fresh,) or folding on rape, mustard, kale, or other green 

 bite, is considered a good practice, usually resulting in an early 

 and prolific crop of lambs, and it is sometimes practicable and 

 possible to select the poorest ewes and give them the first run on 

 it. 



As a rule, a lambing time confined to a few weeks is the most 

 prolific and best in every sense, and if flushing, carried out with 

 judgment, can attain this end it undoubtedly is a wise course to 

 pursue. 



Stubbles, provided the shed corn is not excessive, are excellent 

 runs for ewes at this time of year, and enable the breeder to make 

 up several sections of his flock and the flushing can be carried 

 out, with a daily allowance of Cabbage, Kale, or White Turnips, 

 carted on the field. 



It is sometimes dangerous to give a sudden change, and so care 

 should be exercised for the first few days, and the ewes only 

 allowed to remain some three or four hours on the green fold. 

 This will minimise, and eventually overcome the danger. If any 

 of the ewes are very low in condition, they should, if possible, be 

 treated more liberally than the rest of the flock, and even helped 

 with a little trough food for the first week or two when the rutting 

 season comes on. The great point for success in breeding is to 



