SOILING SHEEP. 203 



that they be kept in small flocks, and changed frequently 

 to fresh ground. This can be done by using a portable 

 hurdle fence. The fields first cut over for soiling may be 

 used to hurdle sheep upon. Let the sheep be kept in flocks 

 of fifty to one hundred. Surround a plat, ten rods square, 

 with a movable hurdle fence, and on this plat may be 

 placed fifty to one hundred sheep, to be fed in racks on each 

 side of the field. These racks may be made very light, and 

 thus be easily moved. The sheep are fed on this plat one 

 week, and then removed to the plat adjoining. By having 

 extra hurdle fence for three sides of the field, this may be 

 placed so as to surround a new field on one side, and the 

 sheep then let into the adjoining plat. This gives at least 

 one rod of fresh ground to each sheep per week; and the 

 droppings will make a slight top-dressing of manure, and, 

 with one bushel of plaster sown over this, to prevent evap- 

 oration of its volatile elements, will be found to increase 

 the next cutting. This may be carried on across the field; 

 and by feeding the sheep all the green food they can eat, 

 they will not injure the growth of the second cutting. The 

 greatest difficulty in this plan is in furnishing water to the 

 sheep. If this is obviated by having springs or a stream of 

 water in the field thus used, everything will work well. We 

 have tried this plan, an'd found no practical difficulty the 

 sheep doing excellently well, and remaining healthy. 



The reader will see how many advantages may attend 

 this mode of feeding sheep. The different classes of sheep 

 may thus be separated, and each put under the course of 

 feeding desired to accomplish the special purpose aimed at. 

 Those intended for market, may be fed specially to that 

 end ; and, having the absolute control of the ration, they 

 may be pushed as rapidly as the feeder chooses. A small 

 grain ration may be given with the green food, combining 

 it so as to produce the most rapid fattening. This plan 

 also keeps the sheep constantly under the eye of the shepherd, 



