3IO MODERN SHEEP: BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



Highland Blackfaces while roaming in their semi-wild state over 

 the heath-clad Highlands, it would not be unreasonable, but prof- 

 itable, to feed such a tonic to those under course of fitting for such 

 shows as the English Royal or our International. In the great 

 stables, herds and flocks of England stock foods are largely fed 

 a*ad the same is true of this country, but Great Britain pays con- 

 siderable more attention to the matter of stock foods than we 

 do, for besides having stock foods which come under the category 

 of appetizers and correctors of the digestive system, there are spe- 

 cial lamb foods, special calf foods, etc., which are expected to 

 give, and do give, better results than the ordinary grain rations 

 compounded by the average stockman. If they did not they would 

 be very little used by the careful, conservative Britisher. "Do you 

 think all stock foods are what they are claimed to be and have 

 they the merit claimed for them?" I was further asked. To this 

 question I could only answer that like other proprietary articles 

 they varied in quality and effectiveness according to the cost of 

 their production and the honesty of their manufacturers. . That 

 there are fake stock foods on the market there is no doubt, but 

 such are short-lived. I have used two different brands of stock 

 food in this .country, both of which have given me entire satis- 

 faction. Where stock foods are scientifically prepared I have no 

 hesitation in saying that they are a boon and a blessing to stock- 

 men. 



EAR TAGGING. 



All purebreds must, of course, carry an ear-tag or label, as a 

 guide to their identity so far as pedigree, etc., is concerned. It is 

 not wise to put the labels in the lamb's ear too early in life 

 that is, not before the cartilage of its ear has hardened sufficiently 

 and become strong enough to carry the label properly. If the 

 label is inserted before the lamb has some growth, the ear will 

 droop. Very little bleeding will result from the operation of 

 punching the ear if the operator guards against perforating the 

 principal vein of the ear. A very good way of ear-marking sheep 

 is by tattooing. Instruments and ink, both black and white, are 

 made for this purpose and can be purchased at a nominal price 

 at any store carrying sheepbreeders' supplies. 



PHOTOGRAPHING SHEEP. 



Nothing makes a more fascinating picture than pastoral scenes, 

 but how few amateur, or even professional, photographers have the 

 proper idea of how a picture of sheep, especially individual show 

 sheep, should be taken. How often do we see sheep "snapped" off 

 in utter disregard as to how they stand or so far as shadows and 

 lighting are concerned. If would-be photographers would only 



