294 



SUMMER MANAGEMENT 



widespreading branches of a big shade tree. It is not always con- 

 venient or economical to have ample shade trees in every field, 

 besides, there is a reason for partly condemning trees for shade 

 because they cannot be moved from place to place. On this account 

 the grass around them is likely to become so badly infested with 

 parasites that they are undesirable^ as resting places for the flock. 

 By exercising proper precautions in guarding against parasites, this 



FIG. 187. A good shade tree. 



last objection does not necessarily obtain, in which case a good shade 

 tree should be regarded as beneficial to the flock (Fig. 187). 



It is more difficult to provide shade in fields having no trees 

 and so situated that the sheep cannot conveniently come to the 

 buildings. In such fields, shades should be built, either temporary 

 or permanent in nature. A cheap permanent shade can be built by 

 simply setting posts in the ground to serve as a support to a roof 

 made of boards. In rainy weather, however, a roof of this sort lets 

 the water through and the resting place of the sheep becomes muddy. 

 At somewhat increased cost, this fault can be remedied by covering 

 the boards with roofing paper. A shade similar to the one above 

 can be placed on dimension pieces four by six inches and thus be 

 made movable. Roofing paper does not necessarily need to be 



