448 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



succeed reasonably well in growing a flock of grade sheep 

 where careful attention is given to the work. A much 

 smaller number will succeed in growing pure breds, as 

 the breeding of the latter calls for more skill than the 

 breeding of the former. Only one here and there among 

 those who breed pure breds will attain that measure of 

 success which commands attention far and near, because 

 of the high skill that must be present in order to attain 

 such an end. The breeding of pure breds should be en- 

 tered upon with much caution. It is at least questionable 

 if the work should be engaged in by any who have not 

 had previous experience in growing or caring for sheep. 

 If such persons do engage in breeding pure breds, it 

 should be in a small way at first, because of the hazard 

 involved. This, however, does not apply to men with 

 ample capital and who intrust the work in a great meas- 

 ure to an experienced shepherd. Those who have made a 

 marked success of breeding grades will generally make a 

 success of breeding pure breds. 



When determining the choice of the breed that is 

 to be bred, considerations such as relate to environment 

 and the disposal of the sheep are all important. In some 

 instances environment will admit of the choice of one 

 among a number of breeds, in other instances such choice 

 is very restricted. Under average farm conditions, where 

 the lands are undulating and the production is fair, almost 

 any of the breeds of sheep may be kept with a reasonable 

 measure of success. But it would be a great mistake to 

 introduce the heavy breeds on to pastures that are sparse 

 and where the conditions generally are of the rugged 

 type. But few breeds of sheep can be produced at their 

 best where field roots and concentrates are not furnished. 



Before decision is reached as to the breed that shall 

 be grown, the probable demand for good animals of the 

 breed should be weighed. Some breeds are almost uni- 

 versally popular, as the Shropshire. Some are only popu- 

 lar in certain areas, as the Southdown. Some are kept 



