[501 



in two holes cut in the ear, pushed by each end and then 

 bent inwards so that it will hold. The ear will soon heal 

 around it like the holes in a lady's ear, and it will remain 

 for life. The mark should be put in up and down on the 

 ^we and across the ear in a buck, so that there will be no 

 trouble in distinguishing the sex. It will be a most conven- 

 ient thing also to have a memorandum book, such as 

 suggested by Mr. Stewart in his work, to tally with 

 the ear marks kept in the following manner. Let it be 

 ruled into columns, and entries made accordingly, as per ex- 

 ample : 



No one can properly appreciate the convenience of such a 

 book as this until it is tried. By reference to it anything 

 can be known that is wished about the ewes and rams, and 

 an exhibition of this book will convince the purchaser of 

 the accuracy of any statement made in reference to each 

 sheep of the flock. Under the head of " Remarks," any 

 fact in regard to the ewe or ram can be noted, whether she 

 is a good nurse or breeder, or whether the lambs are strong 

 or weak. This book will also enable the farmer to elimi- 

 nate from his flock all such as are not good breeders, or if 

 he wishes he can set aside all ewes that bear single 

 lambs. It will also enable him to fatten such ewes as are 

 becoming too old for the butchers, thus keeping up his 

 flock to the highest standard of excellence. 



The best time for lambs to drop in Tennessee is from the 

 20th of January to the 1st of March. About the 15th or 

 20th of January we almost invariably have a good warm 

 spell of weather, which usually lasts, with but a few days 

 of cold, until spring opens. If, however, the farmer is near 



