338 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



to the location and size of the yards, and also in relation 

 to the location and size of the paddocks. 



With regard to sunlight, the conclusion may be 

 hastily reached that the part which it plays in successful 

 sheep husbandry is unimportant. Such a conclusion is 

 far from correct. Sunshine when properly focused, espe 

 cially in the lambing pens, may in many instances make 

 the difference between life and death in relation to the 

 survival of newly born lambs. The free access of sun- 

 light is destructive to disease germs, whatsoever may be 

 their nature. It tends to strengthen and sustain life 

 wherever it comes. These truths find recognition in the 

 practice which gives the weaker animals of the flock, as 

 the ewes and lambs, the occupancy of the apartments on 

 the sunny side of the building and locates the stronger 

 animals, as shearling ewes and rams, in apartments on 

 the shady side of the same. 



There may be a difference of opinion with reference 

 to the size of the yards to which sheep have access, but 

 there should be no difference of opinion with reference 

 to their location. In regard to the former it may be said 

 that roomy yards are preferable under dry conditions, but 

 where there is much precipitation, reasonably small yards 

 are to be preferred, as they call for a less amount of litter 

 to keep them clean and dry and a less frequent removal of 

 the same. In regard to the latter, where yards are located 

 on but one side of the shed, the sunny side should, of 

 course, be given the preference. But yards on the shady 

 side may be very necessary sometimes, and they may also 

 serve a very useful purpose. When the yards are fur- 

 nished with movable partitions, the number of those 

 divisions in use at one time may be increased or de- 

 creased to suit present convenience. When the yards are 

 narrow, the partitions may be made to lift out. When 

 they are wide, the partitions must be in part permanent, 

 each being provided with a gate. In some instances the 

 possible number of divisions in the yards is the same as 



