SUxMMER MANAGEMENT. 209 



weak with the strong, spring lambs with adults, or wethers 

 with breeding ewes, should always be avoided. 



The writer, about the lOtli of November, assembles his 

 lambs, and classifies them as to condition and size, and herds 

 them in flocks of about one hundred each. 



The older sheep are already divided with respect to sex, 

 as he never permits wethers and ewes to run together, at 

 least not after their first shearing. Of these, 100 constitute a 

 flock. 



The least fleshy are selected, and, from this time onward, 

 receive attentions accordingly. 



Wethers, designed to be turned oflf the following summer, 

 are thrown out, and fed a little grain daily, as these are pro- 

 vided through the winter mostly with oat or wheat straw, 

 with an allowance of grain ; therefore, early graining is some- 

 what necessary. 



The breeding ewes should be sorted with great care ; but 

 this duty will be found adverted to in the chapter on Breed- 

 ing. 



An early preparation for winter, in this latitude, is quite 

 indispensable ; otherwise, from the vicissitudes of the cli- 

 mate, a premature depth of snow will find the flocks unsort- 

 ed and many little duties undischarged. After the 1st of 

 November, the master should be speedy in making all repairs 

 necessary about his barns, yards, &c., for the reception of 

 the flocks into their respective quarters. It is better to be a 

 few days too early, rather than even a few hours too late. 

 " Ever ready" is the motto of the thrifty and well-ordered 

 flock-master. 



18* 



