Establishing the Flock. 11 



and give birth to lambs at times when it is not de- 

 sirable to have them come. It is a much better 

 plan to keep the ram isolated from the flock. He 

 can be turned into a paddock or small field where 

 he will find enough grass to keep him in good con- 

 dition. It is important that the ram have shade 

 and fresh water where he is kept in summer, and 

 salt is also another requisite for him. Towards 

 fall when the weather gets colder and chilling rains 

 frequently make it unpleasant, the ram should be 

 housed during the night at least, for many valu- 

 able breeding rams have become stiff and rheu- 

 matic at this season, disabling them at the time 

 needed for service, and ruining them for life. 



THE RAM IN THE FALL. 



It is customary to turn the ram with the flock of 

 ewes when breeding is to begin. Although this 

 plan is permissible, a more satisfactory method, 

 where time will permit, is to follow what is termed 

 "hand coupling." In hand coupling the flock of 

 ewes to be bred to one ram is brought each morn- 

 ing to an enclosure where the ram is turned with 

 them. The shepherd watches the ram closely, and 

 as soon as any ewe has had one service she is 

 turned out of the enclosure, so that the ram will 

 pay attention to other ewes in heat. It is not ad- 

 visable to allow the ram to breed more than three 



