258 AGRICULTURE 



weight forward to pull a load. If a checkrein be used at all, it 

 should not be tight, and it should be let down in pulling a heavy 

 load or going uphill. 



Docking. The horse's tail should never be docked. This is 

 its fly brush and protection against enemies. When it is docked, 

 the horse is made 'a life pasture for annoying insects.' 



EXERCISE 



1. Have you read "Black Beauty"? If not, do so. It is an in- 

 teresting story of horse life, giving valuable suggestions as to care and 

 treatment. 



2. Compare the best draft horse with the best light horse that you 

 know. Make a list of the points of difference. Name three occasions 

 on which you would prefer the light horse. Why? Name three on 

 which you would prefer the draft horse. Why? 



3. From the table on page 309 in the appendix make a balanced 

 ration for a work horse weighing fifteen hundred pounds. 



SHEEP 



History. There are many wild species of sheep in Asia, Africa, 

 Europe, and on the western mountain ranges of America. The 

 sheep was probably the first animal domesticated by man. A 

 European species, the Merino, was brought by the Spaniards to 

 the New World soon after its discovery. From this Spanish breed 

 is descended most of the flocks of Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas. 



Sheep are natives of mountainous countries and do best on 

 hilly land. They never by choice seek level, open land, swampy 

 country, nor dense forests. 



Uses. The animal is useful in many ways. Its flesh fur- 

 nishes food, its fleece clothing, its skin leather, its bones fertilizers. 



Sheep Raising. Sheep are docile and easily managed, require 

 little care and attention, and need less grain than other kinds of 



