SHEEP WASHING. 149 



The system of going into the water for the purpose of 

 washing sheep is more prevalent in the north of England 

 than in the south, in spite of the greater severity of the 

 climate. Sheep washing in mid stream is no doubt a trying 

 ordeal for a weak constitution, and is a cause of rheumatism. 

 The upper part of the body becomes over-heated, while the 

 lower portion is immersed in the running water, and in no 

 circumstances is a drop of whisky more advisable or excus- 

 able. We do not know of any harm having happened to 

 sheep washers during, or just after, the work, but it is 

 probable that it may sow the seeds of future ailments. The 

 advantages of the system is that the sheep are washed while 

 on their backs, and that the dirt and sand are more easily 

 washed out and fall downwards by gravity. Swimming 

 sheep through a pool is the alternative, and in this case the 

 men are furnished with T-headed rods resembling hay rakes 

 without teeth, and with these the sheep are scrubbed and 

 soused under the water until the operators are satisfied, and 

 the sheep is then allowed to land. It is possible that the 

 prevalence of short-woolled Down sheep in the southern 

 counties, and the greater distribution of long-woolled sheep 

 in the northern counties, may be the reasons for this slight 

 difference in practice. 



Sheep ought to be washed ten days or a fortnight before 

 clipping, so as to allow the yolk to once more rise in the 

 fleece, and thus add to its weight, its suppleness, and lustre. 

 Hot weather is most favourable for this important object, 

 and washed sheep should be placed on grass land free from 

 sandy banks, under which the animals might rub and thus 

 collect sand on their backs. 



In view of the fact that a large proportion of foreign wool 

 reaches the London market in the grease, it is only reasonable 

 that farmers who are favourably situated should put to the 

 test the advantages and disadvantages of washing their 

 sheep. 



