156 



would like to keep a larger number, but do not think it best, 

 from the risk of loss by dogs. 



The outside fence of my barn-yard — part stone and part 

 wood — is surmounted by a wire net-work fence, three and one- 

 half feet high ; here my sheep repose in safety at night, and 

 during the winter ; thus rendering them secure a large portion 

 of the time. They are trained to come, at call, to the yard at 

 dark every night, where they have a shed opened to the south, 

 for shelter in wet or cold weather ; a constant supply of fresh 

 water and of salt, both mineral and coarse-Jine. A door opena 

 from the shed to a pen in the barn for winter feeding. They 

 are not shut in the barn, except during the lambing season, but 

 are allowed to stay out in the open air even during the coldest 

 nights. No other stock is ever allowed in the yard with them. 

 They are kept quiet at all times ; are tame, so as to feed from 

 the hand, and willingly allow themselves to be handled. For 

 a few weeks previous to and during the breeding season they 

 are fed, just before night, with oats, about one pint each per 

 day for six or eight weeks. The change from grass to hay 

 and vice versa is gradual. During the winter they are fed 

 regularly twice a day, viz : from 7 to 9^, and from 3 to 5^. 

 The intervals allowed between are about right for sleeping and 

 chewing the cud. Feeding often has a tendency to make them 

 restless and uneasy. As large a variety of food is given as 

 possible — hay of different kinds, green oats cut for fodder, salt 

 hay, a few roots on warm days, &c., &c. They have no grain 

 except as above, all that is given them is to be eaten up clean. 

 If there is any left, thay are not forced to eat it, but it is taken 

 away and less fed next time. Neat stock and horses are fond 

 of sheep orts in small quantities. My ewes go with young 148 

 to 150 days. Lambs come in March and April. The ewes be- 

 fore lambing are provided with a warm, dry, well-bedded pen, 

 and " all is well." 



The young lambs, " each a little faithful copy of its sire," 

 soon learn to help themselves. No change in feeding is made, 

 except to feed often for a few days. Warm water is given the 



