324 MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF SHEEP 



no natural protection is present, a grove of considerable 

 depth should be planted on the windward side. It should 

 be given sufficient cultivation on and near the surface to 

 keep it clean, until what are termed forest conditions may 

 be secured. Such a grove properly cared for will begin 

 to furnish protection three years from the time of plant- 

 ing, and in six years the protection should be very ma- 

 terial. In such locations it may be necessary from the 

 outset to protect the yards, at least on the sunny side of 

 the building, by surrounding them with a board fence 

 sufficiently high to break the force of the wind. In some 

 instances sheds of fodder or bedding may be so built as 

 to render some aid in furnishing such protection. 



In areas where the temperatures are mild and the 

 winds are but little constant or violent, yards and pad- 

 docks may be secured virtually on all sides of the shed, 

 should this be desired. But where the shed is planted 

 close up against a grove or bluflf, on one side only can 

 paddocks be secured ; that is, in front of the shed and 

 possibly in some instances at one end. Where the flock 

 contains many animals, it will be found a great conven- 

 ience to have several of these on hand. They furnish graz- 

 ing in summer for small lots, as stock rams, for instance, 

 should it be desired to keep them apart from the main 

 flock, or they may be made to furnish soiling food, near at 

 hand for autumn feeding. In winter when not too much 

 wind-swept, they furnish a good place in which to strew 

 corn or other fodders, where the sheep may get some ex- 

 ercise while picking it over. For the plan of yards and 

 paddocks see page 338. 



Shelter that is not costly — Where small flocks of 

 sheep are kept, and in areas where the ordinary building 

 materials are costly, shelter sufficient to answer the pur- 

 pose may be made from cheap materials. These include 

 sheds made: (i) Of poles and straw; (2) of baled straw; 

 and (3) of logs or sods. 



A shed made of poles and straw is best adapted to a 



