BREEDING OF SHEEP. 77 



sheep : they will surround the fodder, and as the hay 

 is consumed, the knot tightens, and prevents the re- 

 mainder from falling. 



Q. What precautions should be taken, when sheep 

 are first introduced into a country new to them ? 



A. If they do not come far, little precaution is ne- 

 cessary ; but if they are taken from a distant country, 

 information should be had in regard to the manner of 

 feeding and conducting them to pasture, and care 

 should be taken to manage and feed them in the same 

 way. If some change is necessary, it should be 

 done gradually, and with prudence. 



NOTE. 



It may be observed by the rules contained in this chapter, that 

 the custom of leaving the rams in the flock is very prevalent, and 

 Daubenton contends against separating them from it, even when 

 it may be apprehended, that the coupling will take place too ear- 

 ly ; it must be said, that this custom, however prevalent, is a bad 

 one. The rams weary the ewes both before they grow warm, and 

 while they are with lamb, and often make them lustful. There 

 are always more barren ewes and miscarriages in the flock, where 

 the rams continue with the ewes the whole year, than where they 

 do not. The rams themselves are much more fatigued, and grow 

 old faster, than when kept apart. This management is indispen- 

 sable, especially in a flock of fine wooled sheep, or in one intend- 

 ed to be improved, and the practice has now become general. If 

 it requires an additional expense, the owner of the flock is indem- 

 nified by the longer continuance of the animals ; and by the annu 

 al increase of the number of lambs... Muzard. 



