248 MANAGEIMENT OP SHEEP. 



the writer has no hesitation in saying that a single peck of 

 grain fed in December is worth the bushel fed in March. 



As was remarked at the conchision of Summer Manage- 

 ment, the grass at the beginning of November loses much 

 of its nutrition from repeated freezing ; therefore at this pe- 

 riod the lambs should be assembled, and classed relative 

 to size and condition, divided into flocks of about 100 each, 

 and feeding them grain should forthwith commence. As it 

 is sometimes impracticable to call them into the sheep-folds 

 without considerable trouble, the feeding-troughs should be 

 removed to the field in which they are confined ; then the 

 flock-master may begin feeding them about four quarts of 

 oats, daily, which he should be careful to distribute the en- 

 tire length of the troughs. They will be very shy for a day 

 or two, but the example of approaching them by the tame 

 sheep which were placed among them at weaning time, will 

 be the means of soon overcoming it. After the lapse of a 

 week, the quantity of grain may be gradually increased to a 

 half a bushel, which should be the minimum quantity for the 

 residue of the season. When the major portion have par- 

 taken of the oats, the troughs may be removed back to the 

 sheep-yards, and the time fixed for feeding should be about 

 sundown, after which they can retire to the shelters, should 

 the weather require it. At this time, a little hay should also 

 be given early in the morning, which may be pursued until 

 circumstances demand a change wholly to fodder. 



About the middle of December, or before, let the feed be 

 somewhat changed, by mixing with the oats a portion of 

 pea-meal or wheat shorts ; at all events, let it be meal of some 

 kind which they may fancy, for in order to induce them to 

 eat potatoes it will be necessary to cut them into delicate 

 pieces and sprinkle the meal well over them. If sheep are 

 wholly unaccustomed to potatoes their aversion to them will 

 not be overcome without the adoption of this course. Beets and 

 ruta-baga may be substituted for the potatoes ; but the reader 

 has been informed that they are better adapted to the purpose 

 of the sheep-fattener. If it is our wish to grow wool and not 

 fat mutton, it will be wise in us to use those means which 

 will afford the largest returns. Half a bushel of potatoes 

 given at intervals of twice a week will be the right quantity, 

 which it will be well to continue to sprinkle with meal, as 

 well as with a small quantity of salt. On other days the pea- 

 meal and oats may be fed. 



