4 . FOLDING SHEK1*. [jAN*. 



conduct them much better than our reason, not 

 only where to fly for shelter, hut also for choosing 

 their own time to go to rest, and to feed in the 

 morning. These they vary according to seasons 

 and weather ; but folding prevents it, and forces 

 them to a regularity never called for by the wea- 

 ther. 



When I began first to entertain doubts of the 

 propriety of folding sheep on any farms in which 

 they can be kept to certain fields in the night with- 

 out that practice, I desired earnestly to try some 

 experiments that might throw more light on the 

 question than it was possible for reason to do ; but 

 to effect this comparatively, was very difficult, as 

 the trial I wished for was such, as should carry 

 some positive conviction with it. I have not been 

 able to effect it fully ; but the trials I have made, 

 may not be found destitute of power to throw some 

 light on this interesting question. I am perfectly 

 persuaded, that it would have been impossible for 

 me to have kept on the same land, nearly such a 

 stock in one parcel with folding. I do not con- 

 ceive that the fields would have carried three- 

 fourths so managed. Four drivings in a day make 

 them trample much food, disquiet the sheep, and 

 transfer the choice of their hours of feeding and rest 

 from themselves to the shepherd and his boy. While 

 lambs are young they are injured by this, and the 

 ewes are liable to be hurried and heated ; all which 

 are objects that should weigh in the question. 

 When sheep are kept in numerous parcels, it is not 



only 



