202 SHEEP FARMING IN AMERICA. 



to avoid strychnine. The watchful shepherd 

 gets opportunity to shoot one now and then. 

 Occasionally a coyote may be trapped. And 

 grayhounds, or rather special hounds bred for 

 the purpose, having the conformation of the 

 grayhound with more size and better fighters, 

 catch some of them. 



At lambing time, however, coyotes assemble, 

 scenting a feast. Then the shepherd can not 

 avoid letting his flock spread over quite an 

 area of range, since to crowd the ewes close 

 would be sure tO' make many orphan lambs. 

 It helps to build fires about at various points, 

 as though there were numerous camp fires, and 

 the wary beasts scenting danger, keep their 

 distance. To hang out lanterns is a good 

 practice, too. To patrol the flock almost 

 ceaselessly with rifle in band, firing it now 

 and then is the method most effective, and this 

 is usually adopted by careful shepherds. It is 

 necessary at this time to have help, ajid two 

 or three men may, if available, keep them- 

 selves usefully employed about the lambing 

 flock. 



"teimming" the lambs. 



Lambing lasts usually only a week or two 

 on the range, since the rams are not put in till 

 late and the ewes soon come in heat and con- 

 ceive. 



After the lambs have become strong they 

 are earmarked, docked (unless, they are to go 

 to market, in which case their tails are some- 

 times left long), and castrated. 



