SHEEP 363 
The lighter weights of the fleece and of the sheep are for 
ewes, and the heavier weights are for rams. These weights 
and the thickness of the fiber in the last column, are, of course, 
quite variable, and the figures merely show what is a fair 
average. As sheep are sheared once a year, the length of the 
fiber and the weight of the fleece are for a twelve months’ 
growth. 
CaRE AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 
We said at the beginning of our consideration of sheep that 
they are easily cared for. By that we mean that the work 
required is not heavy, nor is the total amount of it for the 
year large. A good part of the year they need very little 
care. On the other hand, they must never be left entirely 
without watchful oversight, and a knowledge of their nature 
and habits is quite essential. They are timid and defenseless 
creatures, so that dogs or wolves easily create havoc in the 
flock. They are liable to the attacks of parasites, which in 
most sections are greatly dreaded, though our cool northern 
states are in less danger from this source. Their constitu- 
tion is not at all sturdy. They are subject to colds, catarrh, 
inflammation, and other sheep diseases if their wool becomes 
‘saturated with rain or snow, or from damp quarters. They 
easily injure themselves on a fresh pasture in summer or by 
eating succulent forage that is crisp with the night frosts of 
autumn. The most critical season, however, is the lambing 
time. The young lambs are often quite helpless, and if they 
do not receive prompt care, they perish. 
Summer Pasture and Care. — Sheep are particularly fond 
of grazing short forage, as the younger plants are the most 
tender and juicy. One will often see patches that are eaten 
down almost to the bare ground, while other parts are not 
touched because the plants have become old and tough. In 
