328 FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 



after five or six days, when the part below the cord is 'dead, 

 cut it off just below the string, and tar the wound. This is, 

 however, a dangerous operation when the weather is warm: 

 Cool dry weather should be chosen for it. 



' In Spain, it is usual, instead of either of these operations, 

 to twist the testicles within the scrotum, so as to knot the 

 cord ; in which case they decay gradually, without injuring 

 the Sheep' 



Spaying Ewelambs increases their wool, makes them fat- 

 en better, and it is said improves the taste of their flesh. 

 If this operation is to be performed, which perhaps will 

 seldom be found advisable, it should not be attempted be- 

 fore the Lambs are six weeks old. 



When- Ewes are to be turned off for fating, the Lambs 

 must be weaned early; and then let the Ewes have the 

 Ram again, which will make them fuen better. Lambs 

 thus weaned should be put in a pasture of young tender 

 grass, out of hearing of their Dims, and an old Wether or 

 Ewe should be put with them Care must also be taken to 

 milk the Ewes every day or two, for the first week, until 

 their milk dries up. 



In all other cases, the weaning of Lambs, before the time 

 when they naturally wean themselves, is believed to be by 

 no means advisable, as the Lambs are injuted by it at least 

 as much as the Ewes are benefited. This may, however, be 

 found advisable where it is wished to have the Ewes im- 

 pregnated earlier than the usual time, for the purpose of 

 raising very early Lambs. 



These, Mr Livingston advises, should be shorn the first 

 year; as the divesting them of their fleece may be a matter 

 of some considerable profit, and it renders them more com- 

 fortable during the Summer. Lambs, however, which do 

 not come until the snows are gone are always most easily 

 reared ; and, in order to this, the Ram must be kept from 

 the Ewes in the Fall until about five months previous to 

 that time, Such Lambs must be kept from the Ram until 

 the second Fall, 



In Spain, uventy-five Ewes are allowed to one Ram. 

 Mr. Livingston thinks forty by no means too many ; and 

 instances are not unfrequent where one Rim has served 

 double and even treble that number. If the Rim, however, 

 be not well kept, where so many Ewes are allowed, he will 

 be in danger of being injured. 



The best time for Sheep to feed in pastures is while the 

 dew is on; and this they will readily learn, if there be no 

 water in the fields where they are kept. Water is not 

 necessary for them during the season of pasture; tyut in 

 Winter they should have "free access to it, although they 

 can do many days without it. 



