74 THE SHEPHERD'S MANUAL. 



stock of ruta-bagas, which keep in excellent condition until June, 

 if needed so long, is provided as a substitute for grass while the 

 ewes are being fattened. This latter plan is well suited as an 

 additional industry upon grain or dairy farms, in which some 

 additional capital may be turned over with a prospect of its being 

 returned in less than a year with a gain of 100 per cent in money, 

 besides a valuable addition to the manure heap. 



The selection of ewes and a ram from which to raise market 

 lambs, is the chief point for consideration, the wool being a sec- 

 ondary object. The form of the sheep and their temperament are 

 the first points to be regarded in their selection ; but if the flock is 

 to be kept permanently, it is best to procure sheep which will 

 yield a good fleece as well as a good lamb, as this will add to the 

 profit. Single lambs of good size, are more profitable than twins, 

 which will generally be of smaller growth. It matters little 

 about the breed, as this is not a point with the marketmen, although 

 a black-faced Southdown is most in favor with them, because of 

 its usual plumpness and fatness. A lamb from a grade Merino 

 ewe, and a Southdown or Shropshire ram, is fat at any age, and is 

 soon ripe for market, and will sell better than a larger lamb that 

 is more bony and less plump. A cross from a grade Merino ewe 

 and a Cotswold ram, is the next best lamb, if not altogether as 

 good a one. A large bodied, short-legged, broad backed, native 

 ewe, with some Merino and Southdown blood in her composition, 

 is, perhaps, all things considered, the best sheep that can be chosen 

 for a dam. A pure bred Southdown, Shropshire, or Cotswold ram, 

 makes the best sire, the preference to be given in the order in 

 which they are here named. Ewes that produce twins should be 

 weeded out of the flock, and those which bring a large lamb, and 

 have plenty of milk, and are gentle and kind to their lambs, should 

 be kept as long as they will breed. Ewes have been kept until 13 

 years old that have yearly brought and raised a lamb to maturity 

 for market, without missing a season, or losing a lamb. One ewe 

 of this kind may be made to pay the interest on $100 each year, 

 and it would be well to raise the ewe lambs of such choice dams 

 to replenish the flock. Some ewes will raise twins, and by skill- 

 ful management, a ewe whose lamb has been sold may be made 

 to foster another lamb, or at least be forced to help feed it. If the 

 ewe shows any reluctance to adopt the strange lamb, she should 

 be confined hi a small pen, at stated times, and the hungry lamb 

 turned in to her. The lamb will generally succeed in getting all 

 the milk from her. If she is more than usually reluctant, she 

 should be held while the lamb sucks, or be confined hi stanchions 



