34f The Shepherds^ Guide* 



nice in this particular, that in fields not sufficient- 

 ly stocked, they will be found constantly to dwell 

 on those bare parts, which were first eaten ; whilst 

 the grass is running to seed all around them. All 

 plants exhaust land much more whilst they are 

 ripening their seeds, than during all the other pe- 

 riods of their growth. Another evil of still 

 greater consequence, arising from this circum- 

 stance is, that weeds are thereby suifered to run 

 to seed and increase. There are many plants of 

 this description : even our greatest pest, St. John's 

 wort, which sheep will eat when very young, but 

 will not touch from the moment they begin to 

 form a stem. As soon , therefore, as it is discovered 

 by the grass and the weeds running up, and form- 

 ing stems lor seeds, that we have understocked 

 our fields, it will amply repay the expense to run 

 over them with a sithe, by which the present 

 feed will be increased, at the same time that the 

 St. John's wort, and other small weeds are de- 

 stroyed. At the same time that this is done, bur- 

 dock, sharp-pointed dock, bur marygold, poke 

 and sheep's laurel, should be destroyed. This 

 useful work will be attended with but little ex- 

 pense, and where fields are to be kept long in pas- 

 ture, will be amply repaid in the greater number 

 of sheep they will support, in the cleanness of 

 their wool, and the preservation of their health. 

 Another maxim in grazing with sheep is, that 

 the young should be separated from the old, the 



