SUMMER MANAGEMENT. 183 



of US who have not in times past been losers, by inhumanly 

 neglecting this important duty. 



If the cutting of the horns and hoofs has not already 

 been attended to at tagging time, as has been recommended, 

 it should be no longer delayed, but done now. 



Although the indications of scab at any time are infallible 

 with the experienced flock-master, yet perchance a discov- 

 ery has not been made, after the fleece is removed it can no 

 longer escape- observation. Should any be found infected, 

 a resort to the proper remedy must not be delayed for a mo- 

 ment.* 



SORTING, ETC. 



To the breeders for mutton, and more particularly the cul- 

 tivators of wool, no other occasion than the present is more 

 favorable to institute thorough examinations of the forms and 

 fleeces of their flocks. It is thus, because the wool will 

 often conceal, when growing upon the sheep, minor imper- 

 fections of the carcase ; but after the fleece is shorn, they 

 become more obvious. If the sheep are of the mutton vari- 

 ety, those of the same age should be compared as to size, 

 and the individuals having the greatest, with most approved 

 proportions, should be marked, and retained for breeding 

 purposes. Although the fleece can be pretty accurately 

 judged by the experienced wool culturists for several months 

 antecedent, yet not so well as now ; and every one bearing 

 wool distinguished for those properties most desirable, as 

 well as possessing a symmetrical form, with indications of 

 thrift and easy keep, must also receive a lasting mark, for it 

 should not be parted with. Let the fleeces of the most ap- 

 proved be weighed, and every other particular noted. In 

 this way only can the wool culturist advance, whilst its neg- 

 lect will soon manifest itself in a deterioration both of fleece 

 and carcase. 



Although it is quite common, and withal very necessary, 

 to classify sheep, by a division into flocks of the sexes, at 

 the beginning of the foddering season, yet if it has been neg- 

 lected, it should be now done. Nothing should be permit- 

 ted to run with the ewes and lambs, and their continuance 

 on the best pasture will be of the highest advantage. The 

 wethers and dry ewes selected for sale should also be turned 



* See Chapter on Diseases. 



