The Shepherds^ Guide. 



m 



ly lambs, and frequently make bad nurses ; yet 

 it is contended by some farmers, that when suf- 

 fered to breed early, they acquire a larger pelvis, 

 yean more easily, and make better nurses in fu- 

 ture. Supposing this reasoning to be just, which 

 I think very doubtful ; it is allowed, that their 

 lambs should be taken from them soon after they 

 are dropped, and reared upon a cow or a foster 

 mother. Suckling is more exhausting than preg- 

 nancy, and interferes more with the growth of a 

 young ewe. 



We judge of the age of a sheep, as well as of all 

 ruminant animals by the teeth. A lamb has 

 eight pointed teeth, Fig. 1. About one year 

 old they shed the two front teeth, and obtain in 

 their places two broad and larger teeth. Fig. 2. 

 One of two years old has four broad teeth, Fig. 

 3. One of three years old has six. Fig. 4. Af- 

 ter four years, they have shed all their lamhs' 

 teeth, have eight broad teeth, Fig. 5, and are 

 said to be full mouthed. After this the teeth be- 

 gin to break, shorten and fall out, Fig. 6, pretty 



