SHEEP REQUIRE SALT. 87 



afford considerable shelter and warmth to the sheep, who 

 will often be found lying down on the side which best 

 keeps off the wind and rain. It is the shepherd's task 

 to carry a supply of hay for these racks every day when 



he visits the sheep. He will also do well to allow them 

 a certain quantity of salt daily. The great benefit of 

 salt to cattle is now beginning to be understood, and 

 to sheep in particular it is of the utmost consequence, 

 for it is found to check one of their worst diseases, called 

 the rot. The eagerness these animals show in seeking 

 out and waiting for their supply of salt, when they have 

 reason to expect it, is a plain proof that it is a welcome 

 addition to their meal. Let us suppose ourselves seated 

 at dinner with no salt on the table ; and if we could not 

 enjoy our meal without it, why should not the sheep 

 feel disrelish for unsalted food when once accustomed to 

 the flavour of that wholesome substance ? If lumps of 

 salt are laid on flat stones in different parts of the fold, 

 we shall soon see the sheep gathered round in clusters, 

 eagerly licking the salt. In the mountains of Switzer- 

 land, even on the borders of perpetual snow, a few sheep 

 pasture every year with only an occasional visit from 

 their shepherd, who brings them salt at stated times. 



