SHEEP 379 



of bunches was from 1 to 8, the number of sheep in each bunch 

 varying from 10 to 2,040 head. 



After the first month the sheep were constantly coming to- 

 gether and separating again, the size of bunches varying with each 

 separation. They were seldom in one band for any length of time. 

 As soon as the lambs had been suckled they were content to wander 

 off again. During the last six weeks of the test the ewes and lambs 

 cared very little whether they were together or not. The band was 

 usually in many small bunches so widely distributed over the 2,560 

 acres that it was difficult even to keep track of them. 



The number and size of bunches as well as the time that they 

 are apart will depend upon the size and topography of the inclosure, 

 the acreage and distribution of heavily forested areas, the length 

 of time that the sheep have been without a herder, the condition of 

 the forage crop, atmospheric conditions, and especially the age of the 

 lambs. 



On an untimbered area the sheep would scatter widely, but 

 would seldom be apart any length of time. In a heavily forested 

 inclosure they would separate more frequently, and would not come 

 together as easily. After having been herded, it takes them some 

 time to depart from their old habits and accommodate themselves to 

 the freedom of the pasture. When the forage is plentiful and of 

 choice quality they are quickly satisfied, and the tendency to run 

 about is not so great as it is when the main crop dries and a sparse 

 growth of green grass appears in the fall. The main factor, how- 

 ever, is the tendency of each ewe to look after her lamb. This at- 

 tention on the part of the ewe gradually becomes less as the season 

 advances and the lamb becomes less dependent upon the mother 

 for support. Consequently, the tendency to separate increases. 



As a rule, when a band the size of tne one on the experimental 

 area divides into small bunches many lambs are separated from their 

 mothers. Usually, however, the bunches, in grazing about, come 

 together often enough to prevent weaning the lambs and thereby 

 retarding their growth, although occasionally it was necessary to put 

 them together. During the entire month of August they were, 

 together on the bed ground only three times, yet it was thought' 

 necessary on only four occasions to drive small bunches to the main 

 band on account of the lambs. In this connection it is essential to 

 know to what extent they may remain apart without detrimental 

 effect to themselves and to the range. 



The time that a ewe and her lamb may be left apart depends 

 upon the age of the lamb. For the first two days after birth he will 

 make the best progress if he is suckled at intervals not exceeding two 

 hours. The time between feeds may then gradually increase. After 

 he begins to eat green s<ucculent forage, the milk is not so necessary 

 in satisfying hunger, but is still essential to rapid growth, and ho 

 should not be away from the ewe for more than four or five hours. 

 At 4 months of age he lives for the most part upon forage, but still 

 the milk gives a roundness and beauty of growth that is not attained 

 without it. However, at this age he can go all day, and occasionally 



