Merino-Ryeland Breed of Sheep. 495 



during the season of )eaning. I have mentioned that the female goes with young 

 150 days. It is, therefore, of great importance so to regulate the time of copula- 

 tion, as that, if possible, the lambs may fall in the light nights which take place from 

 a week before to a week after the full of ihc moon. 



It has long been a custom in HcrcTordshirc to house, or, as they call it cot, their 

 breeding ewes and lambs; and much benefit has been supposed to arise from^ a 

 practice in many respects most erroneously conducted. 



I have often thought of a very easy, cheap, and effectual method of shelterinrg 

 sheep, which, however, I have never yet employed. This is what, I have since 

 seen, is in some degree practised in Sweden. I would have the various ricks in 

 the farm yard made on a basis or floor of boards, elevated 5 feet from the ground ; 

 and under this floor the sheep might constantly, or occasionally, be sheltered. The 

 ground might be littered, and kept clean like a house ; and the ricks themselves 

 ■would want litde defence against the biting of the sheep. The additional expenci 

 of making the rick would be very trifling, and well repaid by what would be saved 

 in the hay itself, of which a good deal at the bottom is often unfit for eating. 



A second point essential to the success of this method, is a copious supply of 

 proper food to the ewes and lambs. Every one acknowledges the value of 

 good hay, of which I have never had any other sort, than of that which is usually 

 called natural grass. This, when whole, should always be given in cribs rather than 

 in racks, by means of which a smaller proportion is wasted, and the wool less spoiled. 

 A sheep, when feeding on common hay, is, however, a most extravagant animal, 

 often pulling out and treading under feet almost half as much as he eats. I am per- 

 suaded that this might be, in a great degree, prevented by cutting the hay into 

 chaff, which would, otherwise, be more beneficial to the sheep himself. I must 

 own, however, that I have never yet been able to effect this purpose to any consi- 

 derable extent. Servants do not like extraordinary labour ; and have always rea- 

 sons to advance for not doing what they dislike. To these I have been obliged to 

 submit, because personal superintendance would not repay me for time taken from 

 much more important avocations. It is certain that considerable advantage in point 

 of economy may be derived from attention to die nature of the hay itself. That 

 which the sheep chiefly reject is the bents, or stalks. This points out a mode of 

 lessening the evil. The hay should always be short, and of quick growth ; in con- 

 sequence of which it will be intermixed with few, or only succulent, stalks. On my 



