234 SHEEP FARMING IN AMERICA 



And greyhounds, or rather, special hounds bred for 

 the purpose, having the conformation of the grey- 

 hounds with more size and better fighters, catch 

 some of them. 



At lambing time, however, coyotes assemble, 

 scenting a feast. Then the shepherd cannot avoid 

 letting his flock spread over quite an area of range 

 since to crowd the ewes close would be sure to make 

 many orphan lambs. It helps to build fires about 

 at various points, as though there were numerous 

 camp fires, and the wary beasts, scenting danger, 

 keep their distance. To hang out lanterns is a good 

 practice, also. To patrol the flock almost ceaselessly 

 with rifle in hand, firing it now and . then, is the 

 method most effective, and this is usually adopted 

 by careful shepherds. It is necessary at this time 

 to have help if available, and two or three men may 

 keep themselves usefully employed about the lamb- 

 ing flock. 



"TRIMMING" THE LAMBS. 



Lambing lasts usually only a week or two on the 

 range, since the rams are not put in till late and the 

 ewes soon come in heat and conceive. 



After the lambs have become strong they are ear^ 

 marked, docked (unless they are to go to market, 

 in which case their tails are sometimes left long), 

 and castrated. 



They grow very rapidly if well born on good 

 range. The shepherd has now some compensation 

 for his pains and anxieties. His duties are com- 



