358 THE HANDBOOK FOE PEACTICAL FARMEKS 



operation. The tail may be either cut, chopped or seared off 

 with hot pincers. The hot pincer method has met with the great- 

 est favor, especially in large flocks, as it practically eliminates 

 bleeding, fly-blowing and infection. Castration should take 

 place at the same time as docking. A good disinfectant should 

 be liberally used. Five per cent lysol solution is excellent. The 

 lower third of the scrotum should be cut off and the testicles 

 drawn out, pull out any loose ends of cord that remain, disinfect 



Fig. 184. — Taking width and length of loin, also thickness and firmness of 

 tiesh. 



parts, and provide lambs with plenty of good, clean, dry straw 

 to lie on. 



For marking sheep the following system of ear notching may 

 be used: 



Combinations can be easily arranged from this system which 

 will give sufficient numbers in proper rotation suitable for any 

 average sized flock. In pure bred flocks metal ear tags should 

 be used. 



Wool. — The time of shearing varies with different localities. 

 In general it is best to shear as early in the spring as the weather 



