WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 711 



four to six weeks. It is a very rare occurrence for any of the ewes to 

 fail to breed. 



The average per cent of lambs raised varies according to the severity 

 of the winter in its effect on the breeding ewes, the character of the 

 weather during the lambing season, and the amount of attention be- 

 stowed or the facilities afforded by the flockmaster. In the past the 

 proportion of the lambs dropped which failed to reach maturity has 

 varied from 10 to 20 per cent. The general experience, however, cov- 

 ering the whole State, is that in the different flocks from 75 to 95 per 

 cent of the lambs are raised. For 1890 and 1891 an unusually high 

 per cent of the lambs was raised, even as high as 100 per cent. This 

 may be attributed to the favorable seasons, the large number of twins, 

 and the more extensive use of middle-wool bucks. A conservative esti- 

 mate of the number of lambs raised in the State will not be less than 

 87 per cent. Many sheep-owners who have well-managed ranches, with 

 necessary equipment and conveniences, inform the writer that they 

 save and raise as high as 95 per cent of the lambs. 



It is a matter of surprise to those unfamiliar with the industry in 

 Montana that the requirement of feed and shelter during winter has 

 been in the past and is at present rather an incident than a regular 

 and necessary provision. It seems incredible that there are very many 

 flocks in the State which are compelled, during extreme winter weather, 

 to depend wholly on the winter ranges for feed, and for shelter on 

 such as nature has provided. There are hundreds of flockmasters who 

 have handled sheep in this manner for years without excessive loss. It 

 seems strange that in this latitude so many sheepmen should make no 

 more provision for food and shelter during winter than do many of 

 the Texas flockmasters, yet it is nevertheless a fact, and the average 

 loss has been about the same. Yet it is the judgment of the prudent 

 and conservative sheep-owners that it is an unwise policy, for the reason 

 that every few years there is likely to occur a winter of unusual sever- 

 ity with heavy snow which may entirely cover the greater portion of 

 the winter range, when great losses are sure to occur. The amount of 

 the loss in these exceptional winters is as much as would have pro- 

 vided permanent sheds and the cost of putting up enough hay to carry 

 the flocks through the severe periods of winter weather. It is only a 

 matter of time when this barbarous custom must become practically ob- 

 solete, for one experience of this kind usually satisfies the sheep-owner. 

 Even if he escapes a total loss of the flock he is sure to lose the profits 

 of one or more years' labor. The expense of providing suitable shelter 

 is not large. The ordinary shed, closed on three sides and open to the 

 south, will answer in most cases. Where lumber is not conveniently 

 attainable the roof may be covered with brush or hay. A shed 150 

 feet square and 7 to 8 feet high in the center will accommodate the 

 average flock. Some prefer the oblong shed to the square one, but 

 which is the better depends entirely upon local circumstances and en- 



