SHEEP. 231 



Of diseases and other troubles to which sheep are liable, such 

 as scab, foot-rot, stretches, ticks, lice, and being poisoned by- 

 eating " kill-lamb," with which my farm abounds, I#have had, 

 I think I may say, considerable Experience; yet all of these 

 difticulties I have met and conquered, so that now they cause 

 me but littie uneasiness ; being fully persuaded that they can 

 be successfully treated if taken in season. 



Great care is taken in the selection and management of the 

 bucks ; for upon them the future character of the flock in a 

 great measure depends. They are not allowed to be with the 

 ewes at any time, except during the breeding season, but are 

 provided with an enclosure near the house, securely fenced, 

 containing shelter, water, shade trees, salt, feeding trough, &c. 

 They are taught to associate with and to receive the attentions 

 of the members of the family and others, and are always kindly 

 treated and well cared for. 



I regard sheep-husbandry as the pleasantest and sheep as the 

 most profitable stock kept on the farm. There is no quarreling 

 and fighting, no chasing of each other, no striving for the 

 mastery, as among neat stock, swine, &c., no exhibition of 

 ill-temper or viciousness ; all are peaceable and friendly, 

 manifesting a fondness and good will towards each other, not 

 common in any other collection of equal numbers of quadru- 

 •peds or bipeds. To the person who understands their nature 

 and disposition, there is no animal more easily managed, or 

 that yields a readier obedience to his wishes ; and I can but 

 hope that their number may be largely increased throughout 

 our land. 



Poplar Lawx, Haverhill, November 18, 1862. 



PLYMOUTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



With the exception of one small flock, all the sheep offered 

 for premiums were worthy of exhibition, some of them quite 

 superior ; yet the nipnber entered was not sufficient to justify 

 the opinion that the farmers of our county give that attention 

 to sheep husbandry which the interests of agriculture demand. 

 Doubtless the number of sheep in the county is increasing, but 



