330 FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 



carted into the mow, it would no doubt be found very good 

 for them. The rack in which the hay is put should be up- 

 right, so as that, in feeding, the seeds and other matter will 

 not fall into the wool about their necks. Under the rack a 

 trough should be fixed, which will serve for catching the 

 seeds of the hay, as well as for feeding the Sheep. 



They should be kept by themselves, and not suffered ta 

 run among other cattle their yard should be spacious, 

 though in proportion to the number in the flock; and their 

 shelter should be close over head, but the sides not so close 

 as to preclude a due circulation of air among them. Per- 

 haps it is best to have it close on all sides but the south. 



The shelter ought also to be spacious, so as not to crowd 

 them too closely together; and it should have some small 

 apartments in which to keep the Ewes a few days previous 

 to yeaning, and for two or three days afterwards These 

 should be fed during this time with succulent food, and 

 their apartments should be kept well littered. The fence 

 round the sheep-yard should be such as to keep out Dogs. 



If the flock be large, so that a separation of it during 

 Winter would be advisable for promoting the health of the 

 Sheep, the better way is to put the fullgrown Wethers by 

 themselves. This is the more advisable, because they do 

 not require so good keeping as the Ewes and young Sheep; 

 and when kept with these they are enabled, from their 

 superior strength, to take the best and most of the food to 

 themselves. 



In regard to folding Sheep, on small or large pieces of 

 ground, see FOLDING OF LAND, 



Flocks of Sheep thrive much better by being changed 

 frequently; but those will be most benefited which are taken 

 from poor pastures and put into better. Their pastures 

 should be clear of weeds, as the burs produced by some 

 spoil the wool; while others often prove hurtful to them, 

 by eating; they should also be clear of all briars and bushes; 

 for these serve to tear off much of their wool in the Spring. 

 Clover is the best pasture for them. The evergreen shrub, 

 called laurel^ is poisonous to them when eaten, and ought 

 therefore to be removed from their walks. This shrub is a 

 species of the Laurus, as we believe. 



To prevent Wolves from killing Sheep, says Mr. L'ffom- 

 medieu, make an ointment composed of gunpowder and 

 brimstone, powdered fine and mixed with tar and Currier's 

 oil, and with this anoint the throats of the Sheep. This 

 must be renewed as often as the ointment loses its moisture^ 

 which will be four or five times in a season. Wolves have 

 been seen to seize Sheep anointed in this manner, and, find- 

 ing their throats thus fortified, have left them without doing 

 them any injury. 



