WINTER MANAGEMENT OF EWES. 1 15 



upon the ground, and are less impatient of folding. In all 

 cases the above considerations will make it evident that light 

 soils of rather low average fertility are On the whole more 

 suitable for carrying ewes than stronger and better soils. It 

 is not merely a question of quality but of room, as the 

 invariable tendency of good land is towards heavy stocking, 

 and for this purpose dry sheep are more suitable than a 

 breeding flock. 



The feeding of ewes during November and up to lambing- 

 time is a matter of first-class importance. Hay should be 

 given in small quantities before October ends. It is the best 

 safeguard against gorging with roots. The appetite must be 

 satisfied, and if its edge is removed by a little sound hay or 

 hay chaff, the ewes will partake of their roots moderately and 

 quietly. There is no need to give cake or any other concen- 

 trated or expensive food until after yeaning. An outrun over 

 down or dry pasture, a feed of hay, and a few roots are all 

 that is needed. If asked as to quantity, we should say that 

 if half a pound of hay per head is given from say October 

 2oth, and increase up to lib. per head per day by December 

 ist, it should suffice. 



Supposing the ewes to have a good run over down or old 

 seeds, i2lb. to i5lb. of roots per head would be enough, or 

 about a cartload (i2cwt.) to every 100 ewes daily. In mild 

 weather ewes will not eat inferior hay, but when the tempera- 

 ture falls below freezing they are less fastidious. Again in 

 the spring ewes begin to be dainty as to the quality of their 

 hay. 



Two-tooth ewes require better food than old stock ewes, 

 and are usually kept in a separate lot. A rather better quality 

 of hay and a better choice of ground will be all that is 

 requisite, and cake and corn are no more necessary at this 

 time of year for the two-tooths than for the main flock. 



Ewe tegs may be allowed a small allowance of concentrated 

 food in order to maintain growth and size. 



Ewes thus kept will cost about 4d. to 6d. per week, accord- 



