o8 The Shepherds^ Guide, 



slight shelter against severe cold, and particularly 

 wet, is absolutely necessary to the carcase, as well 

 as the quantity and quality of the wool : and that 

 want of necessary attention in this particular, ex- 

 poses them to many diseases. In very severe cli- 

 mates, such as Denmark and Sweden, they 

 find it absolutely necessary to house their fine- 

 woolled sheep, during winter. With us, this may 

 not be so necessary ; unless to those that wish to 

 have early lambs, many of which will be lost, if 

 suffered to drop in severe nights, even under an 

 open shelter. Indeed, in all countries in which 

 the snow lies for any length of time, so that it be- 

 comes necessary for two or three months to fod- 

 der the sheep, a fold-yard, round a bam, with 

 common sheds, open to the south, divided by hur- 

 dles, or any moveable fences, into different yards, 

 for strong or weak sheep ; for the old and infirm, 

 and for ewes in different states ; as well as close 

 apartments for sick sheep ; for yeaning ewes 

 and very young lambs, will be found the most 

 convenient and best economy. My winter-fold 

 is of this description ; of which, as I have found it 

 very convenient, I have added a plan and de- 

 scription. 



