MeriHO.Ryeland Breed of Sheep. 497 



which they might, probably, have drank too much water ; but I did not choose to 

 continue the experiment. I still give some of this oil-cake to the rest of my 

 flock. 



In default ofother dry food, I have, during former winters, occasionally served 

 my ewes and lambs with a small quantity of grains, which appeared to suit them 

 well till the lambs came to eat them freely ; when they purged them, and I was 

 oblisied to desist. 



I have never fed my sheep with chopped straw, pease haulm, or various other 

 dried vegetables recommended by the foreign agriculturists, and sometimes admi- 

 n.istered in England ; neither have they ever had peas, corn, or bran. 



It is certainly of great consequence to economize as much as possible meadow 

 hay, which is, probably, the most expensive of all dry food. The lattermath of 

 such grass, which foreigners greatly praise, is, doubtless, on account of its succu- 

 lence and tenderness, an excellent food for sheep ; and that of clover, lucerne, and 

 sainfoin, is said to have the same good qualities. But during the short days in our 

 cold and irregular climate, the chances are so great against the probability of 

 gathering in these crops, properly dried for use, I think that we cannot depend 

 on them. 



Of meadow latternnath I have had some experience ; but I conceive it to be not 

 half so profitable as a sort of food which is almost always within our reach, I mean 

 rouen, or aftergrass reserved through the winter. This grass, though isany inches 

 in height, is capable, in dry situations, of being kept without loss; and, at the latter 

 end of winter and in the spring, will be eaten up clean by sheep and lambs of all 

 descriptions. Hence, to those who want water meadows, or other early pasturage, 

 it is a cheap and valuable resource, which never fails except when it is covered 

 with snow. An experience of several years has proved to me its excellence ; and 

 we are under the greatest obligation to Mr. Young, for the pains which he has 

 taken to make the public acquainted with its merits. Last year my shepherd was 

 fully convinced that four acres of very indifferent upland rouen, given to my ewes 

 and lambs, saved, at least, three tons of hay. For this purpose, it is usual to re- 

 serve only the aftergrass of lands which have been fed; but if they are mown in 

 the manner which I have mentioned above, no injury whatever to the subsequent 

 herbage will arise from saving the second crop for rouen ; more especially if the 



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