356 THE HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICAL FARMERS 



some variation in the above, however. At five years of age sheep 

 will almost always have what is termed a " full mouth." Sound- 

 ness, slope and color of the teeth are the relative guides for age 

 after that. General form and bodily condition are also deter- 

 mining factors. Do not be afraid to buy a good ram. It pays. 



Care and management. — Select a good breed or type, and do 

 not change. Try to improve the breed or type you have selected 

 rather than changing to another. Do not cross one breed on 

 another, except in rare cases for commercial purposes. Keep 



Fig. 1S2.— Taking depth of chest. 



only the best. Ewe lambs that are one of twins or triplets are 

 very liable to be prolific breeders. 



Ewes should be bred as early in the fall as they will take the 

 ram. Just prior to the breeding season ewes should be fed some 

 grain in addition to pasture to put them in good physical con- 

 dition, this is called '' flushing." The ram should also be fed 

 some good grain mixture at this time, preferably one relatively 

 high in protein. By painting the under part of the ram's belly 

 he will mark the ewes served ; they should then be taken out and 

 the date recorded, so the shepherd can tell approximately when 

 they are due to lamb ; later they should be tried back to the ram, 

 thus making sure they are pregnant. The average period of 



