AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 441 



Tliey continue to increase in growth until three years old, when 

 they are in great perfection for being fattened, or for breeding, 

 but as a quick return is the object of most farmers, they are 

 generally fattened at this age. 



The breeds and varieties of sheep that are scattered over our 

 country are very numerous, and are distinguished under differ- 

 ent classes, as from their having horns, or being without them, 

 from the nature of their wool, and other circumstances. They 

 all possess characteristic differences, that serve to discriminate 

 them into distinct original breeds. As in cattle, there is a cer- 

 tain form and connexion of parts that bespeak excellence or per- 

 fection of the breed of sheep. The head should be small, eyes 

 prominent, nostrils expanded, ears thin, breast and shoulders 

 full, loins broad, quarters long and full. I w^ould prefer admit- 

 ting the rams early in November, as the ewe goes with lamb about 

 five months. They would then come in on the first of April. 

 When the rams are young, the number of ewes should not exceed 

 sixty. The older and more vigorous the ram, the greater num- 

 ber may be admitted without inconvenience. But never, on any 

 consideration, let the buck cover too many. 



Where sheep husbandry is carried on extensively, the ewes are 

 put at much earlier periods, as eariy lambs are very profitable. 

 It is well to allow the rams to remain with the ewes for a month 

 or six weeks, in order that the business of impregnation may be 

 complete, the breast of the ram may be smeared with ochre, he 

 will then mark the ewes; during the time they are in lamb, 

 they should be kept free from disturbance, and be carefully 

 watched to prevent accidents — such as, slipping a lamb, &.c. At 

 this season they should be well fed, which will induce them to 

 produce healthy, strong lambs, capable of contending with an in- 

 clement spring. By a proper supply of turnips, the milk of the 

 ewes is much increased, and the growth of the lambs promoted; 

 if stinted at this period, they never turn out well. They should 

 never receive more food than they will entirely consume. The 

 farmer can regulate their daily supply by this rule. . 



When the weather is extremely wet, or there is much snow 

 upon the ground, the sheep should be sheltered, as it will be of 

 great benefit to them. Lambs shoidd be weaned in July, and in 

 order that they may not suffer any check in being taken from the 

 mother, they may be turned into a field of clover in blossom, and 

 the mothers removed to distant pastures, that they may not be 

 heard by their olfspring. Old ewes should be annually removed 



