SUMMER MANAGEMENT. 171 



quired. This is deemed by a large majority to be the bet- 

 ter way, and coincides with the writer's views and practice. 



WASHING. 



This is a branch of sheep economy which is wholly in- 

 dispensable. 



The careless and slovenly manner with which it is per- 

 formed by the great majority of iVmerican wool-growers, 

 calls for severe reprehension ; the evil consequences result- 

 ing from it, however, are inflicted mostly upon themselves. 



The most suitable time depends upon the latitude and sea- 

 son ; the latter causing sometimes, in the same locality, a 

 considerable variation. At all events, the flock-master must 

 be sure of one thing, namely, that the water and weather 

 are comparatively warm. The violation of this is very 

 common, which is exceedingly cruel and inhumane, and 

 often exposes sheep to disease. 



The day^selected should be one of sunshine, if possible ; 

 and as this work in the Northern and Middle States is com- 

 monly attended to from the 10th to the 25th of May, it will 

 rarely be the case, at that season, that the water will be of 

 the right temperature before nine or ten o'clock in the morn- 

 ing ; and when only a few sheep are to be washed, it will 

 be better generally to delay it until the afternoon. 



If the washing can be conducted immediately after a 

 warm rain it will be easier, the effect of it being to soften 

 and loosen the dirt ; in this event, the yearlings should be 

 selected first, as they are generally the filthiest. 



The flock-master should always be present ; and if he 

 does not possess the physical ability or inclination to " bear 

 a hand," he should at least see that everything goes off 

 properly, and is conducted on " temperance principles," for 

 rum has done its full share of mischief on such occasions. 

 He should be provided with a pair of shears, and if any 

 dung locks are seen, they should be severed before the 

 sheep are put into the water. 



Where there is a running stream of pure water, with a 

 gravelly or stony bottom, no better mode can be adopted 

 for wool cleansing, and none other is so economical. 



For a number of years past the writer has used a vat, 

 made of two inch pine plank, and held together by three 

 inch oak gripes. It is about nine feet long, four and a half 



