350 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



purity of the fleece is readily obtained afterwards, by throw- 

 ing over the sheep a jet of water. This practice has a good 

 eilect, in preventing or removing cutaneous disorders and 

 destroying ticks or other vermin. Many judicious farmers 

 object to washing sheep, from its tendency to produce colds 

 and catarrhal affections, to which sheep are particularly sub- 

 ject ; but it cannot well be dispensed with, as the wool is 

 always more saleable, and if carefully done, need not be 

 attended with injury. Warm settled weather however, is 

 indispensable to washing with safety to the general health of 

 the sheep. 



SHEARING. The manner of shearing varies with almost 

 every district ; but as this is an art to be acquired under a 

 skilful master, we shall omit particular details on the subject. 

 First clip all the tags and filth, if any remains or has been 

 accumulated after the tagging in the spring ; then take off 

 the fleece and spread it with the outside uppermost on a smooth 

 bench or table, and push the wool carefully together, to render 

 it more compact; double the sides over to the centre; throw 

 the clean loose locks into the middle, and roll together from 

 each end. This makes a smooth, dense package, which is 

 secured by passing a stout twine one or more times around 

 the sides and ends. All the wool from the extremities should 

 be closely sheared and saved by itself, before dismissing the 

 the sheep, but never put up with choice fleeces. If wounds 

 are made, which is sometimes the case with unskilful opera- 

 tors, a mixture of tar and grease ought to be applied. After 

 shearing, such horns and hoofs as are likely to be trouble- 

 some, should be sawed and pared. The branding or mark- 

 ing is essential to distinguish them from other flocks, and 

 this is done on the shoulder, side or buttock. A brush or 

 marking iron is used for this purpose, with paint made of 

 lamp black, to which a little spirits of turpentine is first 

 added, and then diluted with linseed or lard oil. If the wea- 

 ther be cool, and especially if severe storms occur after 

 washing or shearing, the flock should be housed. If sultry, 

 they should have a cool, shady retreat, where they will be 

 shielded from the flies and the heat. Blisters and permanent 

 injury to the skin and fleece, are frequently the result of such 

 exposure. Shade-trees in their pastures, contribute much to 

 the comfort of sheep, when exposed to a blazing sun. A 

 close examination of the skin, should be made at shearing, 

 for the detection of disease or vermin. For remedies, see 

 article diseases. SMEARING OR SALVING SHEEP, is a custom 



