209 AMERICAN HUSBANDRY. 



shearing should not be performed till the wool is 

 thorougdly dried ; and, if time elapses sufficient to 

 allow tlie fleece to be again saturated with the ani- 

 mal oil, so much the better for the wool. 



'J'liere are few of the processes in the manage- 

 ment of sheep more slovenly performed than the 

 one of shearing. The sheep is frequently most ter- 

 ribly mangled, and the surface of the animal, from 

 the tufts and ridges of wool, is as uneven as a new- 

 ploughed held. A gentleman in Columbia county, a 

 few years ago, obtamed leave of some of his neigh- 

 bours, who tiiought their sheep were fretly well 

 sheared, to have his shepherd reshear them as an 

 experiment, and from two to four ounces were taken 

 off at the second clip. Dr. Parry says : 



" The closer wool is clipped, the better ; and the 

 way to effect this and to save time is to take but a 

 small quantity into the shears. Neatness in shear- 

 ing can only be acquired by practice. The only 

 rules wiiich can be written are, use shears of mod- 

 erate size, and take up very little wool between 

 them." 



After being sheared, if proper regard is had to the 

 comfort and health of the animal, and the quality of 

 the next year's clip of wool, the following unguent 

 must be well rubbed on every part with a currying 

 brush ; and a little of tiie mercurial ointment may 

 be rubbed around the horns and tail. 



Train oil or seal oil 4 gallons. 



Tar \ gallon. 



Oil of turpentine 1 pint. 



This composition, well rubbed on, will materially 

 aid in destroying keds and ticks, should there be any 

 on the sheep, will give softness to the wool, and 

 greatly reUeve the animals from the irritating and 

 tormenting attacks of flies. 



Some diversity of opinion appears to prevail on 

 the subject of shearing lambs among owners of 

 sheop, but our experience is decidedly in favour of 



