SHEEP RAISING. 13 



and cleanliness. Sunshine in the buildings is important in order to 

 keep them dry and thoroughly disinfected. 



During the lambing season it will be necessary to take extra care with 

 the flock. At this season the quarters should be adequate to provide for 

 every need, although this does not necessitate expensive buildings. 



Starting a Flock. 



Pure Bred Flock. In starting into the breeding of pure bred sheep 

 the prospective breeder should first select the breed best adapted to his 

 conditions, and then make selections from the flock of a breeder who has 

 good stock for sale at reasonable prices. Many buyers make the mis- 

 take of purchasing sheep which are possibly off in type and condition, 

 simply because they are cheap. If the purpose is to work eventually 

 into the breeding of fancy stock the best is none too good. The .writer 

 believes it advisable to purchase a small number and secure animals 

 which are of the best type and breeding. As sheep multiply rapidly, it 

 will only be a short time until the flock will be doubled or trebled in 

 numbers. 



The thing of most importance is to decide definitely on the breed and 

 then study the best type of that breed thoroughly before purchasing. 

 No more ruinous policy could be followed than to select a flock of sheep 

 off in type and attempt to make a successful show at a fair or exhibi- 

 tion. A few good ones will soon advertise the business until the demand 

 for breeding stock will afford going into it more extensively. 



Two plans may be followed in purchasing animals as a foundation 

 for a flock. A ram and the unbred ewes may be purchased, or bred 

 ewes may be secured late in the fall, after the breeding season is over. 

 By following the latter plan the ewes will cost more, but if .proper 

 selections are made the buyer will have an opportunity to get in the 

 lambs from the bred ewes some blood of the more noted sires. 



For Market Purposes. In purchasing for market purposes the con- 

 ditions will be quite different. It should be decided what kind of sheep 

 is in demand. If winter lambs can be disposed of profitably it may be 

 that this business could be followed to advantage. The most important 

 breeds having the early breeding habit are the Merinos, Hampshires, 

 Dorsets, and Tunis. If it is the intention to breed winter lambs some one 

 of these breeds or their grades should be secured. However, the strictly 

 winter or hot-house lamb business requires greater skill than is required 

 in raising early spring lambs by ordinary methods. 



No matter what type of lamb is to be produced the sire should be 

 pure-bred and should be of excellent individuality, as an animal of 

 this character will be better able to impress his characteristics on the 

 varying types of ewes selected to form the foundation flock. 



Quite satisfactory results can be secured in raising market lambs by 

 using grade mountain ewes, but care should be taken in selecting them. 

 Only those which exhibit maternal qualities such as femininity, vigor and 

 capacity should be selected. Upstanding, rangy ewes should be avoided. 

 Those secured should be low-set and of good length and depth. Broken- 

 mouthed ewes should never be purchased for this purpose, as they can 

 not properly nourish themselves or their lambs. Every precaution 

 should be taken to secure clean, healthy ewes which will by the use of a 



