318 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



Supplying salt in winter As in summer, salt should 

 also be made constantly accessible to sheep in winter. It 

 is best supplied to them in boxes under the cover of the 

 sheds. 



In very cold weather it is better to supply it in mod- 

 erate quantities frequently renewed than in large quanti- 

 ties seldom renewed, as when supplied in large quantities 

 it does not remain so fresh and clean, and it incrusts more 

 or less from the congealing of the moisture left upon it 

 while the sheep are taking it. 



Salt is sometimes given in the food. When thus sup- 

 plied it certainly does add to the relish with which the 

 food is eaten, but to supplying it thus there is the strong 

 objection that it cannot be known just how much should 

 be supplied. There is the further objection that such 

 a method of supplying salt involves more labor. To de- 

 prive sheep of salt either winter or summer will certainly 

 hinder their thrift, and to apply it only at intervals in the 

 winter is open to the same objection as supplying it thus 

 in summer. 



When succulent food is fed in winter, the craving for 

 salt increases with increase in the succulence given. This 

 applies to succulence in whatsoever form it may be fed. 

 This, however, is not relatively so important as in sum- 

 mer, as the succulent food eaten at that season is more 

 succulent than the food fed in winter. It is also believed 

 that the consumption of salt increases with the forced 

 character of the feeding. 



