S26 FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 



Those set apart for fating should be kept separate, GU 

 good teed, and have some Indian meal daily. It is said that 

 a Sheep is never made very fat but once, and that then is 

 the proper time to kill it : But, perhaps, this is not founded 

 in truth. 



The proper time for shearing is, when the weather has 

 set in pretty warm ; but sooner, where the wool is falling 

 off. The wool of Merino Sheep must be washed alter 

 shearing, as it cannot be wasaed to any effect while on 

 their backs The shearing of these may be later, as their 

 wool never falls off Sheep of the common kinds may have 

 their wool washed while on their backs; but in that case 

 they bhould be kept some days previous to shearing in a 

 cka.. pasture, in order that their wool may again imbibe 

 some of the oil which is lost by washing, which will render 

 the shearing more easy, and require less oil to be afterwards 

 add d for s pining. 



In siuuimj, care should be taken not to cut them; and 

 this is more particularly necessary with the Merino Sheep, 

 \v'iose fl. ece is so close as to render this operation much 

 more slow and difficult, double the time at least being re- 

 cj'u-r.ie tor shearing ont of ihese, thai is necessary for one 

 ot he common kind. Would not shears, with blades much 

 narrower man those of the common kind, be much the best 

 for sh. nng these Siieep? 



In E jgland, it is a common practice, after shearing, to 

 sm -ur ihe bodies of the Sheep with a mixture of tar and 

 fresh butter, which serves to cure the wounds in the skin^ 

 and to fort<ty their bodies against the cold. This mixture 

 m ty be improved by tne addition of a snrull quantity ot sul- 

 phur The Sneep should agun be anointed in the month 

 of August, by introducing the ointment from head to tail, 

 and also on the sides and back, by parting the wool for the 

 purpose. This composition should, at all events, be applied 

 to the wounds. It serves effectually to destroy all the ticks, 

 whicti are very pernicious to Sheep 



The practice of pening up large flocks of Sheep together 

 in a close place, during the shearing, is very injudicious: 

 They should be pened up in the open air, and but a few 

 brought together at a time. The common practice of tying 

 the legs of the Sheep together, while shearing, is hurtful to 

 them; as it compresses them into a situation which is un- 

 natural and painful Rather let each foot be tied by itself, 

 in its natural position, to a small piece of wood, with cross 

 pieces at each end, which may be easily contrived and made 

 for the purpose. 



During cold rains and cold nights, after shearing, they 

 should be placed where they can go into their house, or 

 place of shelter, when they please} as they know best when 



