IIO SHE2P : BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



leisure, and I think ewes thus treated will last longer. It 

 should also be remembered that a few years ago ewes were 

 often kept from breeding lamb until they were three years old, 

 with very good result. We have now universally adopted 

 two years as the best period, but the age is not likely to be 

 further lowered with advantage. 



The case of ram lambs stands upon a different footing 

 altogether. They have not to undergo the protracted trials 

 which, with the female, extend through the period of gesta- 

 tion and nursing, and, besides, ram lambs may be lightly 

 worked if it is thought desirable, whereas there is no mitiga- 

 tion for the female. The best answer to these criticisms 

 would probably be from the experience of those who think 

 otherwise, but I should even then doubt whether a better 

 result in the long run would not be obtained by those gentle- 

 men who are thus working at a high pressure, if they adopted 

 a less rapid course of action. 



Our flock will then consist of one-fourth part, or rather 

 more, of two-tooth ewes ; one-fourth, or rather less, of four- 

 tooth ewes ; one-fourth of six-tooth ewes : and one-fourth of 

 full-mouthed and over-year ewes. In a flock of 600 ewes the 

 relative numbers would be about as follows : 



1 60 two-tooth ewes. 



155 four-tooth ewes. 



145 six- tooth ewes. 



140 full-mouthed and older ewes. 



600 



This proportion allows for losses, and maintains a young 

 flock at a maximum value. 



Even by adopting this course it will be found that the 

 two-tooth section requires the greatest amount of care both 

 before and after lambing. They need better keep during 

 pregnancy, and more liberal treatment after yeaning. This is 

 done without much difficulty, as the extra indulgence consists 

 either in giving a small allowance of cake or corn, or some- 

 what better hay and better fodder or it may be cut hay 



