382 DOMESTIC ANIMALS, DAIRYING, ETC. 



were used; during the second week, 6; the third, 5; the fourth, 6; 

 and the fifth, 12. 



From the observations made it is safe to conclude that when the 

 lam'bs are young the ewes will naturally come together at night, if 

 many of them have been separated from their lambs during the day ; 

 that in an inclosure similar to the coyote-proof pasture the general 

 tendency of the sheep will be to bed where night overtakes them, 

 providing the place affords a suitable bedding ground ; and, finally, 

 that, with few exceptions, the bedding under this system will prove 

 beneficial rather than detrimental to the forage crop. 



In the small untimbered inclosure a band would be together 

 much more during the day, and would bed in one place and in one 

 bunch more frequently than was the case at the experimental pasture. 



Number of Sheep One Man Can Care for in Pasture. It is 

 evident from the preceding discussion that sheep in pasture do not 

 require a great amount of care, provided the fence is coyote-proof. 

 They should be salted at regular intervals, not exceeding ten days, 

 preferably five days. During the period when flies are bad a few 

 sheep, though very few, will need treatment to prevent loss from 

 flyblows. Aside from this, it is essential to see that ewes and their 

 lambs do not remain too long apart during at least the first four 

 months of the lamb's life. Neither should be disturbed unless it 

 is necessary, and the need for interference should be based upon the 

 actions of both ewe and lamb, the condition of the ewe's udder, and 

 the appearance of the lamb. If contented, quiet, and making good 

 progress they should not be molested. If any of the lambs appear 

 to be gaunt and uneasy, or if there are ewes with distended udders 

 caused by excess of milk, care should be given them. No set rules 

 can be laid down to govern the shepherd in such cases. If he is 

 accustomed to handling sheep he will know immediately when his 

 flock is not doing as well as they should do. 



In timbered areas the fence should be inspected frequently and 

 kept in good repair. A well-trained foxhound will aid materially 

 in ascertaining whether predatory animals have entered the inclosure. 

 He will soon learn to be quiet when near the sheep, and may be 

 allowed to follow the attendant about the pasture. If a predatory 

 animal has entered, the track usually will be crossed somewhere 

 during the rounds, and the hound will immediately make the fact 

 known. 



It is probable that one energetic man, who understands the na- 

 ture of the difficulties that may arise, can properly care for four 

 inclosures similar to the experimental coyote-proof pasture, inspect- 

 ing two each day. In case of emergency, the four inclosures could 

 be looked after in one day. Under such an arrangement one man 

 would care for from 8,000 to 10,000 head of sheep. (Dep. Agr. 

 Forest Service Cir. 178.) 



WASHING AND SHEARING SHEEP. 



Washing sheep is not nearly as prevalent as formerly. Most 

 manufacturers agree that wool which has been washed in the coun- 

 try is not as desirable as that which. has been sent to market un- 



