TUPPING SEASON. 291 



ment to sustain them. Nature teaches a lesson on this point 

 which should not be disregarded, and supersedes all argu- 

 ment. 



Has the flock-master, before the tupping season has arrived, 

 duly performed his duty in selecting those only that are right 

 in all respects, for breeders 1 Does every ewe approximate or 

 come fully up to the mark in form and fleece ? Is the latter 

 fine, close, and compact, staple long, and as even as possible 

 from the neck to the thighs, and well wooled on the belly 

 and legs ? In short, do they possess those qualities which 

 look to the goal for which the master is striving 1 If so, he 

 has at least done his duty, and patience only is necessary to 

 obtain his certain reward. But if he permits a solitary ewe 

 to be tupped, whose general qualities are much below the 

 average of the flock, his course of improvement will be re- 

 tarded. Let him look to it. 



15 



