Soiling Sheep. 175 



and begin another flock, which in turn follows the 

 course of the first. The farmer has no object in 

 selecting a good sire as a means of improving, be- 

 cause he doesn't know but what he will have to dis- 

 pose of his flock another year, if he should be likely 

 to lose a seeding, or be short of pasture. 



There is probably no source of easier profit on the 

 farm than a flock of well-cared-for sheep. Manure 

 made from them is richer in nitrogen and potash 

 than from any other animal, not excepting the hog 

 and the hen. Their wool and lambs are in the 

 market just when the farmer has the least to sell ; 

 they require little care compared with cows and 

 horses, and increase more rapidly. In fact, to de- 

 prive a farm of a flock of good sheep is to rob it of 

 one of its most pleasing and profitable attractions. 

 There is a way in which they may be supplied with 

 food, rich and succulent, when they most require it ; 

 a way in which the lambs may be made to grow con- 

 tinually from birth, and be early brought to full ma- 

 turity ; a way in which the farmer can produce the 

 greatest amount of wool superior in quality, manure 

 unequalled in value, and make himself the possessor 

 of a beautiful flock of sheep, and that is by soiling. 



I never regretted parting with any farm animals 

 as I did with my flock of sheep. Nothing I ever 

 grew afforded me the pleasure or profit, nothing I 

 ever undertook to improve by careful breeding and 

 feeding responded so quickly and well. My success 

 as an exhibitor with both horses and cattle is owing 

 principally to soiling. It is a question if ever a 



