SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT. 61 



ewe lambs, there is thus laid the foundation of 

 a useful grade flock, while the mothers may be 

 fattened and sent to market. 



While foundation ewes may be had from the 

 markets, coming thence from the great "Weatr 

 ern ranges, it should not be overlooked that 

 the native stock is generally better and to be 

 preferred, when available. Western ewes hav- 

 ing never been exposed to parasitic infection, 

 are healthy, true, but when brought to Eastern 

 farms and then exposed to these dangers, they 

 prove less resistant than natives. The climate 

 of the Eastern states is worse than they are 

 accustomed to, and their breeding is apt to be 

 uncertain. In no case should one buy ewes 

 with perceptible Mexican blood in them, as 

 these sheep readily revert to a very fixed and 

 stubborn type, useful on the desert, but too 

 primitive for good farm sheep husbandry. 



It is unwise to select ewes shearing too 

 heavy fleeces. A moderately heavy fleece be- 

 tokens the stronger sheep with greater feeding 

 capacity. Select that sort. Choose the short- 

 legged ewes, with good backs, and as thick as 

 you can find them. 



The best time of the year to stock a farm 

 with sheep is in the early fall. Getting the 

 ewes home then, you have time to make their 

 acquaintance while work is not crowding on 

 the farm. Then you can see to the mating, 

 and during the first winter things will go as 

 you plan, and you are certain of one good lamb 

 crop. Your troubles will not begin for six or 

 eight months. They need not begin at all if 



