298 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



abound in the pastures, the newly washed sheep may rub 

 against these, and so blacken the fleece externally. As 

 the weather is usually more or less warm at the washing 

 season, sheep are prone to lie down amid the dust on the 

 highway and also on other bare ground to which they 

 may have access. Because of this, the wisdom of keep- 

 ing them away from such influences and indeed from all 

 contaminating influences will at once be apparent. 



The time and place for shearing — The following are 

 chief among the influences that bear upon the time of 

 shearing: (i) The character of the climate; (2) the pro- 

 tection that can be furnished to the sheep ; and (3) the 

 object for which they are being kept. 



In mild latitudes sheep may, of course, be shorn pro- 

 portionately earlier than in those that are cold, and in dry 

 climates earlier than in those that are characterized by 

 much rainfall. The necessity for early shearing is pres- 

 ent in a much greater degree in warm climates, as when 

 unshorn the sheep are burdened by the weight and heat 

 of the fleece after the weather becomes warm. 



Where ample protection can be furnished for the 

 sheep, should the weather turn cold after they are shorn, 

 the time of shearing may be much advanced. When the 

 protection is sufficient they may be shorn at any time 

 during the winter, as for instance, when they are being 

 prepared for exhibition, and the rules of the fairs where 

 they are to be shown do not prohibit such early shearing. 

 Sheep thus shorn may be retained most readily at even 

 temperatures in a basement. When shorn early, it is, of 

 course, necessary to keep the sheep in protected sheds 

 during unpropitious weather. When exposed to temper- 

 atures too low after the wool has been removed, the dis- 

 comfort resulting is indicated by the humped attitude 

 which the animal assumes. 



When sheep are to be shown, it is customary to shear 

 them earlier than the normal season for shearing, unless 

 the rules of the fairs at which they are shown prohibit 



