CHAPTER XV. 



A YEAR WITH THE EWES. 



Having given a brief description of the position of each section 

 of the flock at various seasons of the year, the details of manage- 

 ment can now be gone into. The ewes are the first section to deal 

 with, as they are the most permanent portion of the flock, and 

 as the lambs and future sheep are dependent on them, it is most 

 convenient to treat of them. 



The Ewe at Weaning Time. Taking up the subject of the ewe 

 at the time the lamb is weaned, the first thing to see to is that 

 she does not suffer from weaning. Attention should be given to 

 the udder, to see that it is not unduly inflamed or distended. A 

 point is always gained when the ewes are shorn before weaning, 

 as then a casual observation of the udder reveals its condition. 

 When the wool is overhanging, it is necessary to catch the sheep 

 and handle the udder. If milk continues to form in large quantities, 

 the udder should be drawn a little to ease the distension, but 

 it is not necessary to empty it. A dose of Epsom salts will help 

 to relieve it, and may be used without fear of injury. Succulent 

 food should be withheld, and the diet should be somewhat scanty 

 and poor. In case inflammation sets up, the same treatment 

 must be more rigorously adhered to, and the udder should be well 

 rubbed with lard. If care is taken at the outset, serious complica- 

 tions rarely arise. No time should be lost in getting the flock 

 overhauled ; those not suitable for breeding from again should be 

 culled in accordance with the instructions given in another chapter. 

 The culls, if not sold at once, should be put on to good feed, and, 

 if necessary, be given cake to fatten them, as no good end is gained 

 by keeping them on the farm longer than there is absolute need of. 

 They may be sold off as they become fit for the butcher, or all 

 at once, as appears best. No other special treatment is necessary. 

 In some of the large breeding districts the ewes are sold off as soon 

 as they have produced and reared a lamb after becoming full- 

 mouthed, and are then bought up for breeding in other districts, 

 where the custom prevails of buying in such ewes with a view 

 to letting them breed once more, and then fattening both the ewes 



