884 



SHEEP - RAISING. 



Management of Ewes and Lambs. 

 From 150 to 153 days constitutes the period of gestation of the 

 ewe. It is well to time the coupling of the ewes and rams so that 

 the lambs may be dropped at a convenient season. From thirty to 

 fifty ewes may be apportioned to one ram, according to the strength 

 and lustiness of the latter ; but the larger figure given cannot safely 

 be exceeded, except where the ram is exceptionably capable, when 

 the extent may reach seventy or eighty. Upon this question, how- 



Fw. 1181.— A Cosy Shelter. 



ever, opinions widely vary, and a great deal must be left to the dis- 

 cretion of the intelligent and experienced farmer. When the ewes 

 are in lamb, bran, crushed malt, and crushed oats and corn mixed, 

 are the best kinds of food tp give them. Any food that affects the 

 bowels either way should be avoided'. Water should be given in 

 small and frequent quantities, and clear and clean. As the ewes 

 near their time, they should be removed into a part of the stable or 

 barn where each can have a pen by herself. The lamb once being 

 dropped, and the ewe haying owned and licked it, all danger is 

 passed. If the lamb's first evacuations are not free', a teaspoonful of 

 castor-oil, given in milk, will furnish a remedy. Should the ewe 



