ESTABLISHING A FLOCK AND IMPROVING IT 467 



ing one. The shepherd has a knowledge of the flock that 

 is more intimate and thorough than the knowledge of the 

 same possessed by anyone else. Especially with refer- 

 ence to details of management his knowledge is the most 

 complete, and, therefore, when qualified for his work, in- 

 terference with such details on the part of the owner of a 

 flock should never take place, except for the best of 

 reasons. 



Usually the shepherd is a good judge of sheep. He 

 knows which are the best producers and also those that 

 ought to be discarded, whether because of age or for some 

 other reason. If sheep are to be added to the flock by 

 purchase, the opinion of the shepherd should be given due 

 weight with reference to the wisdom of the transaction. 

 In such matters the opinion of the shepherd is frequently 

 superior to that of the flock owner. 



In the management of breeding flocks much may be 

 left to the wise shepherd in making sales privately. Here, 

 again, his intimate knowledge of the flock makes him a 

 safe adviser. In fact, with some general instructions, he 

 may manage the buying and selling, to the great relief 

 of the owner, and also to his advantage. Responsibility 

 amicably shouldered upon a competent man adds to his 

 fidelity and usefulness. 



The faithful shepherd is also deserving of much con- 

 sideration at the lambing season. His labors at such a 

 time in a large flock are abundant and exacting. His rest 

 is disturbed, it may be to the extent of making it impossi- 

 ble for him to meet the needs of the flock as they should 

 be met. Under such conditions he should be .given full 

 liberty to call such additional help as will enable him to 

 tide over this trying season with a minimum of loss. At 

 many of the fairs in England prizes are also offered to the 

 shepherds who have reared the largest percentage of 

 lambs from flocks containing ewes not fewer in number 

 than the prize list calls for. Some of those shepherds 

 have the same flock in charge during practically the en- 

 tire period of their ability to render such service. 



