SHEEP RAISING FOR BEGINNERS. 15 



delivered by looping a string around the front feet and pulling 

 outward and downward as the ewe strains. If the womb and vagina 

 have been lacerated by the operation, it is well to use a solution com- 

 posed of \ ounce of zinc sulphate and 2 ounces of tincture of opium 

 in a quart of water at blood heat. This should be poured into the 

 womb by means of a rubber tube and funnel. If the ewe seems 

 weak a stimulant should be given. 



WEAK LAMBS. 



The lamb that is born strong and vigorous, with a good dam, will 

 need little care. If the shepherd is present at the birth of a weak 

 lamb, he should wipe away the phlegm or membrane from the nostrils 

 of the lamb, and, if not already broken, the navel cord should be 

 severed. Blowing into the mouth and nostrils and slapping gently 

 on the ribs, first on one side and then on the other, will often save the 

 life of a lamb that is apparently dead. 



In cold weather lambs may get chilled and die unless prompt 

 remedies are used. Wrapping the lamb in hot flannel cloths, which 

 are renewed as often as necessary, is an excellent method of warming 

 it. Another method is to place it for a few minutes in water as hot 

 as the hand can bear; then remove, dry with cloths, and wrap up for 

 an hour or two in fresh cloths or a sheepskin to complete the drying 

 process. In any case milk should be given freely and the lamb 

 returned to the ewe and allowed to suck as quickly as possible. If 

 it does not suck when held to the teat, an infant's nursing bottle and 

 nipple may be used. A few teaspoonfuls each hour for a few hours 

 will usually give strength to enable the lamb to nurse without 

 assistance. 



DISOWNED LAMBS. 



Little trouble is experienced with disowned lambs where lambing 

 pens are used. With a ewe that refuses to own her lamb it is some- 

 times sufficient to draw some of the milk and rub it upon her nose 

 and also upon the rump of the lamb. A heavy milking ewe with 

 only one lamb can sometimes be made to adopt an orphan or the 

 disowned lamb of a lighter milking ewe. When there is difficulty 

 in having a ewe adopt another lamb after losing her own, the skin 

 of the dead lamb may be fastened over the lamb to be adopted. 



YOUNG-LAMB TROUBLES. 



Well-nourished lambs from well-fed ewes have few troubles, but 

 some troublesome conditions are to be expected in any flock. The 

 causes and remedies of the more common ones are given below. 



Constipation is indicated by straining and distress and may be 

 remedied by a teaspoonful of castor oil. White scours can best be 



