SUMMER MANAGEMENT. 163 



flict the least pain. As to the use of a block on which to 

 rest the horn, or placing it against a post or studd of the 

 building, must be determined by its shape, and proximity to 

 the head where it may be necessary to sever it. If the 

 quick is touched, let it be anointed with tar. 



DRAFTING. 



Although drafting sheep for the drover and butcher is not 

 confined to any particular season with farmers of the North, 

 yet no period is preferable to the present, for selecting weth- 

 ers and such ewes as have been condemned for breeding, 

 for sale, after shearing. From the increased competition of 

 drovers at the present day, more discrimination is exercised 

 in their purchases than formerly, and consequently it will 

 pay well to have such as are drafted put at once into good 

 pasture. An increased price for the carcase, and some in- 

 crease of wool, will be the natural consequence of this treat- 

 ment. 



PARTURITION, OR LAMBING. 



The usual period of gestation with the ewe is five months, 

 or an average of 152 days. 



The proper time for parturition must be determined by 

 circumstances, of which climate and locality are the most 

 prominent, and these the flock-master must steadily keep 

 in view. The month generally selected in the Northern 

 and Middle States is May, the vicissitudes of the climate 

 forbidding an earlier period, unless in instances where build- 

 ings are provided for shelter, the expense of which is 

 greater than the majority of farmers are willing to incur. 



The ewes during pregnancy should be disturbed as little 

 as possible, and every attention paid to the quantity and 

 quality of their food. Ewes, however, should not be kept 

 fat at this stage ; indeed this state is injurious, as it predis- 

 poses them sometimes to abortion ; but what is usually 

 termed " good store condition" should be maintained through 

 the whole period of gestation. Neither should ewes be 

 exposed to storms and cold during the winter and early 

 spring months, but thoroughly protected from both. It can- 

 not be expected from any domestic animal a healthy off- 

 spring, in our rigorous climate, if the dam has been permit- 

 ted to suffer the hardships of cold and starvation ; therefore 

 it will be wise if the sheep husbandman will always hold 



