78 FARM MANAGEMENT 



prices realised for them are by no means the 

 same. 



Shortly after drafting, and about five weeks 

 after shearing, when the wool will be about half 

 an inch long, the sheep are dipped to destroy 

 parasites, such as lice, maggots, etc. This 

 dipping is compulsory by law, and returns must 

 be made to the authorities. Dipping is best 

 done in a narrow swim-bath, and care must be 

 taken that the sheep swallow none of the dip, 

 as most of the sheep dips sold are highly 

 poisonous. Each sheep is kept in the bath for 

 about a minute ; it should be cool and rested 

 before dipping and left quiet for a little time 

 after. After dipping, the sheep are turned on 

 old pasture, or " seeds " that have not yet 

 carried sheep. 



The next important item is the mating of 

 the sheep. The ewes are put to the ram 

 between August and October, according to the 

 district and as to when the lambs are required. 

 About a month before mating the ewes are 

 turned on to aftermath, rape or kale to ** flush " 

 them, which causes them to take the ram 

 better. 



The pregnant ewes, if on an arable farm, 



