600 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



The time when flies are most troublesome to sheep, is after 

 shearing. Sheep that are feci on mountain-pasture are free 

 from the attacks of insects. 



WASHING. 



Preparatory to shearing it is necessary to cleanse the 

 fleece. The best method of performing this operation is to 

 rail ofi" a portion of the river or pond, with a sloping 

 opening at one end, by which the sheep are dri^;en into 

 the water, at a part so deep that they will be unable 

 to cross without swimming. A cask loaded should be fixed 

 so that the men may stand in it dry, with a plank or bridge 

 leading to it, to wash the sheep, before allowing each indi- 

 vidual to pass to the opposite side, where they can walk out 

 by means of an inclined plane. Before they reach the 

 man who washes them they should be well soaked in the 

 water, so as to save time. When washing is over, the flock 

 should be driven to a dry, clean pasture. Of course, dusty 

 roads must be carefully avoided, until the animals have 

 become fairly dried. The lambs do not require more than 

 simply swimming through the water. 



SHEARmG. 

 June is the time when shearing commences. It requires 

 considerable care and nicety to perform this operation with- 

 out mangling the fleece, and leaving large patches of wool 

 adhering to the backs of the animals. After sheep are 

 shorn, they are liable to the attacks of different insects, 

 such as ticks and gad-flies, &c. The former of these should 

 be carefully picked off", and the skin smeared all over with 

 the following composition : — 



Tar . „ . . -^ gallon. 

 Train-oil ... 4 gallons, 



Spirit of turpentine . 1 pint ; 



