WASHING AND SHEARING SHEEP 303 



Small machines are sometimes used for flocks on farms 

 that are limited in numbers. These are sometimes worked 

 by hand power, one person furnishing the power and an- 

 other using the clippers. In some instances wind power 

 is used, and also power obtained from tread mills. Where 

 the power is furnished by hand, it is yet somewhat ques- 

 tionable as to whether this method will come into general 

 use. But where power is furnished from other sources, 

 shearing machinery will doubtless almost entirely super- 

 sede hand shearing. 



The following instructions in the use of the clippers 

 will be found helpful : Place the sheep in an upright posi- 

 tion and hold it tightly between the knees. When in 

 position the shearer should be about one foot to the left 

 of the long tube and about one foot in front of it. When 

 shearing, always turn the sheep to the right, which should 

 be done with the foot, rather than with the hand. When 

 the sheep is in position, part the wool in front of the bris- 

 ket and run the clippers down twice as far as the pit of 

 the stomach. Put the front legs behind the arm at the 

 shoulder, and make about four swaths or cuts down the 

 right side between the fore and hind flanks. Then shear 

 across the belly over to the left side, on a line between 

 the shoulder and the flank. Keep the heel of the clipper 

 elevated a little. Then trim out below the scrotum or 

 udder, and cut the wool off the point of the tail. Place 

 the left hand just above the stifle and press down so as to 

 straighten out the right leg, and with inward strokes trim 

 the inside of the leg. 



With the hand similarly placed above the stifle, with 

 outward strokes trim the inside of the left leg. The 

 shearer should then place his right foot between the hind 

 legs of the sheep, leaving it well back of its rump against 

 the left foot. With the left hand placed against the 

 sheep's under jaw, the neck is straightened so that the 

 back will be against the knee, and two swaths are cut 

 along the right side of the neck. The side of the jaw is 



