XXIII. — Shearing 



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^HE sheep changed their flannels this week 

 and as the weather changed at the same 

 time, I am afraid they are not feeling very 

 comfortable. With wool at present prices, 

 they were given a very thorough clip, and in spite of 

 the pleasant proverb the wind has not been tempered 

 to them. We have had the reliable north wind with 

 which we have become quite familiar this spring, and 

 I was sure they would catch their death of cold. I 

 investigated to see that we had a proper supply of 

 mustard and goose-oil in case I should have to put 

 plasters on their chests and give them the proper 

 dosing. But up to the present writing they seem to 

 be doing very well, though they keep on the lee side 

 of the buildings and of the hedge that runs along 

 the road. They almost look uncanny in their pres- 

 ent condition of undress. It is surprising to see 

 what a small sheep emerges from the fleece when the 

 shearing is done. The mother sheep look very little 

 bigger than their lambs. By the way, as those lambs 



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