22 ON LODGING, LITTER, &C. 



Q. Is this building for folding sheep, to be prefer- 

 red to any other ? 



A. Although the construction of this kind of shed 

 may be less costly than stables, and sheds on the side 

 of walls, it however requires such an expense, as to 

 wish an exemption from it : when the roof is even 

 covered w r ith stubble, it is necessary that the wood 

 work should be strong enough to resist high winds ; 

 and in whatever manner it may be constructed, the 

 charge of its maintenance will be required : all this 

 expense may be avoided, by keeping the sheep, as 

 has been before observed, in a pen in the open air, 

 without shelter. 



Q. How are sheep able to withstand the injuries of 

 the air, in severe winters, without being under cover ? 



A. The wool with which these animals are clothed, 

 defends them sufficiently from the air ; it has a sort of 

 grease, that is called by the French and by the English 

 yolk suint, which prevents the rain from penetrating 

 to the flesh for a long time, so that the tufts of wool 

 near the skin become neither cold nor wet, whilst 

 the rest of it is loaded with water or ice, or is covered 

 with frost or snow. When the sheep perceive they 

 have too much water upon their wool, they throw it 

 off by shaking themselves. They can shake off the 

 snow in the same manner ; and even should they be 

 covered with it, or be buried in it for a time, they 

 would not perish. 



Q. How can the parts of the body upon which 

 there is no wool, resist severe cold without shelter ? 



A. The wool preserves all parts of the body, which 



