XVIU CONTENTS. 



Sorting, &c. Duty of the master — quality of the fleece better judged 

 of than at any other time — good or bad points of form readily seen — 

 retaining the best for breeders — ^bad consequences of neglecting to sort 

 sheep at this time — classification of the flock — ewes and Iambs only 

 should run together — those selected for sale should be turned to good 



Marking, &c. Painting the initial letters of the owner's name on the 

 sides of the sheep — the ludicrous style it is usually done — an iron 

 formed to represent a triangle or diamond recommended — where the 

 mark should be put — materials for marking. 



Rolling the Fleeces. Fleeces should be carefully taken from the 

 floor — indifferent locks put in a basket — ^the process of rolling and 

 tying described — consequences of slovenly rolling. 



Arrangement of Wool for Sale. The flock-master should keep be- 

 fore him the motto of shopmen — applicable to everything the farmer 

 sells — rough and tumble style of arranging wool for sale — a good 

 light important — a bad light aggravates the appearance of wool if in- 

 difierently washeif — best mode of arrsmging wool described — good con- 

 sequences — cheating practices of wool-growers exposed — ^reprobated 

 — size of twine stated. 



Sbearing-bouse and Appendages. Inconveniences without them — 

 the expense reimbursed in a few years— construction of pounds — ^wool 

 loft should be well lighted — a north light preferable — trap door. 



Baleing Wool. Burlap used for sacks— the proper width, and quantity 

 required for each sack — ^truss hoop necessary — its adjustment — pro- 

 cess of packing described — too much haste generally in packing 

 wooL 



Sheep-tick. The class of sheep they most infest — consequences of per- 

 mitting them to live — modus operandi of eradicating them — quantity 

 of tobacco for 100 lambs — time when necessary to go through the 

 operation — ^good condition an immunity against ticks — tobacco decoc- 

 tion good for cutaneous irruptions. 



Maggot Fly. Several varieties— ^named and described — ^their habits — 

 means employed for destroying maggots on the sheep, and warding ofi" 

 flies — great vigilance necessary on the part of the flock-master du- 

 ring the summer. 



Noxious Weeds. Laurel, bnrdoc, and - tory-weed — ^burs injurious tc 

 wool — lessens its value — method of destroying burdocks . . 177 



CHAPTER X. 



SUMMER MANAGEMENT CONTINUED. 



Localities for Sheep. Fit localities of British breeds — commended. 



Soil. The sheep an upland animal — loves the short herbage of moun- 

 tain-sides, if the soil is not poachy from an excess of; moisture — its re- 

 pugnance to water — seeks dry situations for rest — its instincts in this 

 regard — chalky soil of England — its effect on the fleece of the Down 

 sheep — effects of hard water — calcareous soil — a sandy soil objec- 

 tionable — treasons for the same — a soil should have a due admixture 

 of clay — uniform supply of pasture very necessary. 



Herbage. Important to the flock-master — influence of herbage on tha 



