ESTABLISHING A FLOCK AND IMPROVING IT 447 



stagnant waters, which are so fruitful usually in what 

 may be termed the seed germs of parasitic diseases. The 

 aim should be at all times to furnish sheep with living 

 water, whatever may be the source from which it comes. 



The hazard from such predatory animals as wolves 

 and dogs should be well considered by those who pro- 

 pose to engage in sheep husbandry. Where such hazard 

 exists, the means for protection and the cost of it should 

 be taken into account. These have been discussed at 

 some length in Chapter XVIII. 



The question of natural protection is always impor- 

 tant in relation to sheep husbandry. In some instances 

 it relates to shielding the animals from excessive cold, in yet 

 others from excessive wind, and yet again from excessive 

 rains. Nor should the cost of furnishing artificial protection 

 be overlooked. These have been already dwelt upon in 

 Chapter XVI. 



Next in importance to the consideration of environ- 

 ment, is that of proximity to market when milk lambs 

 are to be grown, but this is not so important when the 

 lambs are to be carried through the season and fattened. 

 Its importance grows less as the wool product becomes 

 relatively more important than the mutton product. Of 

 course, on distant ranges proximity to market becomes 

 impossible, at least in many instances. 



The consideration of food supplies should be well 

 weighed. In some instances this involves only the ques- 

 tion of pasture, summer and winter. In others it involves 

 the question of grazing in summer and coarse fodder, as 

 hay, for winter. In yet others it involves the question of 

 grazing, providing coarse fodders and also concentrates. 

 The question of grazing alone is involved only in mild 

 climates; that of grazing and coarse fodders where the 

 sheep are grown under extensive conditions and finished 

 somewhere else ; and that of grazing, coarse fodders and 

 concentrates where the conditions are intensive. 



Establishing a pure-bred flock Many farmers may 



