320 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



disastrously. The fine wool breeds, especially those of 

 the Merino types, will be harmed much less by such ex- 

 posure than the breeds possessed of longer and more open 

 wool. But for any class of sheep, shed protection should 

 be provided to shield them from such storms where they 

 are liable to occur. Especially should the flock be guarded 

 at those seasons when such storms are liable to occur 

 suddenly. Slow drizzling rain may do but little harm, 

 even though prolonged, as the natural heat of the bod}- 

 is sufficient to ward off any harmful influences from such 

 exposure. 



Protection from the sweep of cold winds is also 

 greatly important. In prairie areas the necessity for such 

 protection is greater than the necessity for protection 

 from cold rains. The latter occur but seldom on the west- 

 ern prairies, especially in the autumn, whereas the former 

 blow with much constancy during the winter season. 

 Such exposure is a disturbing influence, and most of all 

 in the night, because the flock is at rest. When at lib- 

 erty to choose their own protection, they will invariably 

 seek a sheltered place protected from cold winds when 

 taking their rest. The winds are especially disturbing to 

 the sheep with long and open wool. By lifting portions 

 of the fleece the cold wind reaches the body. In the case 

 of driving snow storms the influences are still more harmful. 



Protection from dampness is especially needed when 

 the sheep are in winter quarters. It is less needed in 

 climates where the cold is continuous from autumn until 

 spring. But even in these, should the sheep be sheltered 

 by leaky straw roofs, rain and melted snow may soon 

 bring about a condition in the dampness of the bedding 

 underneath that is inimical to the health of the sheep. 

 In climates with much rain in winter care should be taken 

 to renew the bedding in the sheds and yards sufficiently 

 often to keep them free from dampness. A damp bed 

 tends to induce rheumatic troubles and various other ail- 

 ments that may prove peculiarly harmful to the flock. 



