SHEEP. 



The engraving on the left represents a group of Me- 

 rino sheep, a specimen of the prize flock of S. W. Jewett, 

 Esq., of Weybridge, Vt. The Merinos are distinguished 

 for fine wool, and for that purpose they are kept fa^ 

 more extensively than any other breed in the country. 



TO KNOW THE AGE OF SHEEP. 



The age of sheep may be known by the front teeth. 

 They are eight in number, and appear the first year, all 

 of a small size. In the second year, the two middle 

 ones fall out, and their place is supplied by new teeth, 

 which may be easily distinguished by their larger size. 

 In the third year, two other small teeth, one on each 

 side, fall out, and are replaced by two larger ones ; so 

 that there are now four large teeth in the middle, and 

 two pointed ones on each side. In the fourth year, the 

 large teeth are six in number, and only two small ones 

 remain, one at each end of the range. In the fifth year, 

 the remaining small teeth are lost, and the whole front 

 teeth are large. In the sixth year, the whole begin to 

 be worn ; and in the seventh year, sometimes sooner, 

 some fall out, or are broken. It is said that the teeth of 

 ewes begin to decay at five or six ; those of wethers at 

 seven, and those of rams at eight. 



Sheep sometimes continue strong and productive until 

 fourteen or sixteen years old, and occasionally longer. 

 When a boy, we had under our care a very smart old 

 sheep, that invariably brought and raised two lambs 

 eveiy year, until fifteen years old. 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT 



Almost all the disorders incident to sheep are caused 

 by a want, and seldom by an excess, of activity in the 

 vital organs. The nerves are very susceptible, but 

 when they are powerfully excited, the excitement soor 



