ON THE FOOD OF SHEEP. 47 



Q. On what depends the goodness of pastures ? 



A. It depends on the situation and quality of the 

 soil, and upon the state and properties of the herbage. 



Q. What are the best pastures, from situation and 

 quality of soil ? 



A. The highest, lightest, dryest, and most inclined 

 soils, make the best pastures for sheep. 



Q. In what state should the herbage be, to make 

 the best pastures ? 



A. The best grasses are such, as have already ob- 

 tained their growth ; which approach flowering, or 

 have begun to flower : herbage, too young, has not 

 been sufficiently exposed to the sun and air, to make 

 good food ; it is too watery and unripe : such as have 

 had their growth, bear seed, or are too old, are too 

 hard, and not juicy enough. 



Q. Can pastures be had out of season, and after 

 frost ? 



A. There are grasses, which resist frost, and which 

 are almost as fresh in the depth of winter, as in sum- 

 mer : such as burnet *(1), and woad (2), of which 

 winter pasture can be made. 



Q. When pasturing fails, will dry fodder make 

 good food for sheep ? 



A. The best fodder makes sheep decline, ewes, 



* (1) Sanguisorba officinalis, L. (2) Isatis tinctoria, L. 



The culture of this plant will be productive of great benefit to farm- 

 ers, and manufacturers ; for the use of the latter, it will afford an excel- 

 lent blue dye ; and for the former, a valuable winter pasture, both for 

 sheep and cattle, as it stands the frost, and is green all winter ; it may 

 be known by its indented leaves, which issue from the root ; those on 

 the stalk have the form of an iron arrow or dart, with flat extended pods. 



