The Shepherds* Guide* 51 



Mr. Lavsterie informs us, that in the north of 

 Europe, about three pounds of dry food is allowed 

 to a moderate sized sheep per day ; but that this 

 seldom consists altogether of hay : one or two 

 meals a day consist of chopped oat, barley, or 

 rve straw, with a small mixture of meal, or a little 

 corn ; that when roots make one third of their food, 

 about 3| lbs. or 4 lbs. in the whole is though* 

 sufficient. The cut straw is rendered more palata- 

 ble and nutritious, by scalding it with boiling 

 water, and this allowance of food is divided into 

 three or four meals a day. Of good hay, our sheep 

 certainly do not require so much, especially if it 

 be given at three or four different meals ; by which 

 more is saved than will pay for the additional la- 

 bour ; and even in this way it should always be 

 assisted by roots, or a very little grain. The best 

 way, however, is not to limit the quantity necessary 

 to keep a fiock constantly in good thriving order, 

 except in so faras to avoid waste. No animal pays 

 better for his food than the sheep ; the quantity of 

 his wool alv/ays bears a proportion to his keep 

 and shelter ; and it is in vain to expect strong and 

 healthy lambs frem poor and weak ewes. As long 

 as they appear full, strong and lively, they have 

 enough ; but if they fall off in the least they re- 

 quire more ; and it will always be found more 

 difficult, and more expensive to bring them up 

 again, than to preserve them steadily in a good 

 and thriving condition. 



