592 MAxVUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



quantity of spring food. It is likewise important that lambs 

 should be dropped as early as possible, so that they may be 

 well nursed, and able to provide for themselves before the 

 winter commences. 



THE EWE. 



The ewe generally produces one lamb at a birth, some- 

 times two, and rarely three or four. She goes with young 

 five months, and brings forth in spring. Some, however, 

 produce their lambs at Christmas. 



LAMBING. 



When ewes are far goB« in parturition, they should be 

 moved about as seldom as possible, and fed upon dry ground, 

 and in a quiet, retired situation, as much annoyance is apt 

 to make them miscarry. When tliey happen to part with 

 their lambs prematurely, they should be taken* into the 

 house if the weather be cold ; but if the weather be mild 

 and dry, they may be allowed to rciiiain on the pasturage, if 

 it is in a favourable locality. When ewes are about to yean, 

 they should be located on as dry and smooth ground as 

 possible, which will be of much benefit to them, as well as 

 to their lambs. 



When lambs are dropped on a place where they have 

 difficulty in rising, they ought to be lifted, placed on their 

 feet, and carried close to their dam's. But when they can 

 rise without aid, it is better to let them alone. It is usual 

 to dock lambs when two or three days old ; and the remain- 

 ing portion should not exceed two or three inches in length. 

 It is of much consequence for ewes to have short tails, as it 

 not unfrequently happens that lambs at birth are entangled 

 by the tails of the ewes, and in tliis way get strangled or 

 killed. The tails of the males need not be dock^^d until they 



