The Shepherds' Guide, 65 



All that has been said on the subject of shelter, 

 as it respects older sheep, applies more forcibly 

 to lambs ; especially when they are allowed to fall 

 early, and in particular to those of the Merino 

 breed ; which in general are so thinly clad, that 

 they are very apt to suffer from cold. It is neces- 

 sary, therefore, in cold weather, to shut up during 

 the night such ewes as are very forward, that 

 they may be sure to drop their lambs under com- 

 fortable shelter : because, during the first night, 

 before they have been cleaned by the mother, and 

 become dry, the lamb is most apt to perish from 

 frost. Nor should the lambs be exposed at all to 

 severe cold and w^ct, until they have acquired 

 strength to endure, and a warm coat to protect 

 them against it. It frequently happens, especially 

 with Merinos, that the ewes make bad nurses, 

 both from want of milk, and from neglect of 

 their lambs ; this is another reason for their being 

 confined : and if, for a few days, the ewe is shut up 

 alone with her lamb in a close pen, and there 

 held three or four times a day, that the lamb may 

 suck, she will grow fond of it : and if, at the same 

 time she is fed with green food, or shorts and 

 water, her milk will increase. When a ewe has 

 very little milk, or absolutely none, as sometimes 

 happens ; or in case of the death of a ewe, a new 

 milch cow, or a foster mother, are our only re- 

 sources : and for breeders of valuable sheep it Is 

 but common prudence to be provided for such an 



