PROFITABLE SYSTEMS FOE FEEDIXG SHEEP 49 



SYSTEM III. PASTURING DOWN CORN, USING A CATCH 

 CROP, PASTURE, OR HAY FOR ROUGHNESS 



Yearlings more satisfactory than lambs in corn grazing. 



There are farmers who purchase their sheep in the fall, turn 

 them into the cornfields, and in from seventy-five to one 

 hundred and twenty days ship direct from the field to the 

 market with a gain of from ten to fifteen pounds, market 

 weights both in and out. This system has many modifica- 

 tions that some say are essential to success, and the follow- 

 ing account embodies the most important. In describing 

 this method it is presupposed that the sheep are purchased 

 for the purpose of consuming a field of corn, and it is de- 

 sired to have them gather it. Either yearlings or wethers 

 may be bought, but preferably yearlings weighing from 

 about seventy-five to eighty pounds, or less if possible. It 

 may be necessary to purchase Mexicans in order to get light 

 weights, and this plan may be very satisfactory, especially 

 after a year or two of experience with some other class. 

 Make such arrangements that it will be convenient to have 

 them arrive at any time from the latter part of September 

 to the middle of November, the exact time depending on 

 market prices, the available supply of sheep, and the con- 

 dition of the cornfields. The longer the buying period may 

 be extended, the greater the chance for being well pleased 

 with the purchase, both in price and quality. If more than 

 one carload is to be fed, the purchases may be made at dif- 

 ferent times whenever a bargain may be had, as it is not 

 necessary to get them all at once. When they reach the 

 farm give them the same course on short pasture as has 

 been described. As soon as they have been in the cornfield 

 for a few days an effort should be made to start them on 



