WINTER MANAGEMENT. 247 



*• Structure of Sheep," he will discover that a large supply 

 of saliva is needed in the process of rumination, which must 

 be afforded, mostly, either by green food or water. In cgn- 

 clusion, humanity demands our practical attention to this 

 subject. 



Having introduced sufficient to answer as a basis for what 

 the writer deems a correct system of practice in winter, he 

 will now proceed briefly to set forth some general instruc- 

 tions for the management of the different classes of a flock 

 — and first — 



MANAGEMENT OF LAMBS. 



The necessity for making ample provision of pasture for 

 lambs from their weaning until the approach of winter, 

 has already been urged. This, however, is not properly at- 

 tended to by many, and when winter is at hand, their condi- 

 tion is by no means what it should be. It may be set down 

 as a rule never to be transgressed with impunity, that all an- 

 imals when growing should be bountifully fed, as well as 

 receive all other proper attentions conducive to their welfare ; 

 otherwise, it will be in vain to expect, when at maturity, 

 they will exhibit the perfection of their species. The general 

 qualities of any domestic animal, however perfect nature may 

 have done her work, can always be further improved by art, 

 or otherwise, by judicious feeding, and strict attentions in 

 every other regard. It is very much from this cause, that 

 celebrated breeders have gained their renown for improve- 

 ments effected in breeds of cattle, as well as sheep. If -we 

 would have perfect animals, we cannot commence too early 

 to lay the foundation of their excellence. 



It is a custom with quite a large majority of sheep farmers 

 to delay graining their lambs until the approach of spring, 

 when they are sometimes far gonein poverty. ,Is this wise? 

 Would it have been thus if they had been grain-fed at the 

 beginning and through, the early part of winter 1 Is it not 

 better to begin as soon as this, in order to furnish them with 

 the necessary stamina to withstand the severities of northern 

 winters, which is always greatest in the months of January 

 and February ? Put .them early in a condition to pass 

 through those te'rrible months, and subsequently all will be 

 well. Truly the course of flock-masters, in this regard, is 

 like giving the patient his medicine when he is on the con- 

 fines of death ! Therefore, viewing the matter in this light, 



