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be kept in a clean place, until sheared, which should 

 not be undertaken before the fleece is dry, lest the 

 fleece should be liable to damage, from being wet. 

 It is proper, therefore, to omit the last washing, until 

 fair weather.* 



Q. What are the means of foreseeing fine weather ? 



A. Country people have a great many signs for 

 fine weather and rain ; but the most of them are ei- 

 ther false or uncertain : they are unacquainted with 

 the barometer, which is the best method of fore- 

 telling it : a well informed shepherd should be ac- 

 quainted with it. Quicksilver is presented in a glass 

 tube, which ascends and descends according to the 

 state of the atmosphere. On the side of the tube, it 

 is marked by inches and lines. When we look at 

 the barometer, we should remark at what inch, or 

 - line, the quicksilver stands ; and return some time 

 after, to ascertain if it rises or falls : if it has ascend- 

 ed, it is a sign of fair weather ; if it has fallen, it is a 

 sign of rain or wind. 



Q. What is the method of shearing sheep ? 



A. Some are accustomed to tie the four legs to- 

 gether, to prevent them from struggling ; but it is a 

 bad practice : when they are thus tied, the belly, and 



* The washing 1 the wool on the sheep's back is not in general use : 

 it does not agree with and cannot be done in France on fine wooled 

 sheep. It is desirable, that the farmers should all be accustomed to 

 wash the wool themselves after shearing: they would thereby ascertain 

 the exact loss, which takes place, and avoid the deceit of brokers and 

 shopmen, to whom they are obliged to sell it, and who avail themselves 

 of the waste not being known, to exaggerate it, and thereby obtain the 

 wool at a lower price... . 



