TUPPING SEASON, 291 



ment to sustain thorn. Nature teaches a lesson on this point 

 which should not be disregarded, and supersedes all argu? 

 ment. • 



Has the flock-master, before the tupping season has arrived, 

 duly performed his duty in selecting those only that are right 

 in all respects, for breeders 1 Does every ewe approximate or 

 come fully up to the mark in form and fleece ? Is the latter 

 fine, close, and compact, staple long, and as even as possible 

 from the neck to the thighs, and well wooled on the belly 

 and legs ? In short, do they -possess those qualities which 

 look to the goal for which the master is strivings? If so, he 

 has at least done his duty, and patience only is necessary to 

 obtain his certain reward. But if he permits a solitary ewe 

 to be tupped, whose general qualities are much below the 

 average of the flock, his course of improvement will be re 

 tarded. Let him look to it. 



