CHAPTER XV 

 PROVIDING SHEEP WITH WATER AND SALT 



In discussing this question the following phases of the 

 subject are considered: (i) Sheep with and without wa- 

 ter; (2) Providing water for sheep in summer; (3) Pro- 

 viding water for sheep in winter; (4) Water and good 

 health in sheep; (5) The necessity for feeding salt; (6) 

 Supplying sheep with salt in summer; and (7) Supplying 

 sheep with salt in winter. 



In many instances the attention given to supplying 

 these is wholly inadequate to the needs of the sheep, 

 hence the amount of space given to the discussion at this 

 time. 



Sheep with and without water — The views cherished 

 by many with reference to the amount of water called for 

 by sheep are very erroneous. The view is frequently held 

 that sheep do not need water when on pasture. This view 

 is based on the fact that instances are numerous in cer- 

 tain areas in which sheep have maintained a good con- 

 dition as to thrift when grazing where no water had been 

 provided. Where such a result has followed, however, 

 the pastures have been at least fairly succulent and the 

 dews have been copious. From these sources the sheep 

 were able to obtain sufficient water to produce the re- 

 sults noted. There are other conditions, however, where 

 such provision would be wholly inadequate, such as the 

 range country when the grasses become dry and the dews 

 fail to come. Sheep may be able to maintain life under 

 such conditions, but they are not able to make that thrift 

 that they ought to make and would make if plentifully 

 supplied with water. Sheep may not need water in sum- 

 mer under the following conditions: (i) When the 

 grasses are sufficiently succulent to furnish the sheep 



