CHAPTER XXXII. 



HOW TO HANDLE AND EXAMINE SHEEP. 



In view of the fact that the sheep has a covering of wool 

 over its body most of the time, it is necessary that this 

 animal be examined by a different method from that used 

 with other farm stock. Furthermore, because the sheep is 

 naturally rather timid, it must be held and handled in a 

 way that will cause as little fear and resistance on its part 

 as possible. 



To catch and hold a sheep properly for examination, 

 approach it as quietly as possible, so as to cause no fright, 

 and grasp the right hind leg with the hand high up near 

 the flank. Then move quickly along the left side of the 

 sheep, holding the right hand so as to be able to press the 

 animal against you, at the same time slipping the left hand 

 beneath the jaw or neck, with the fingers extended to fur- 

 nish a close hold at one of these parts. With the sheep at 

 rest, in position for examination, one should hold the lower 

 jaw or neck with the left hand, and control the rear part 

 by the use of the right hand laid quietly at some point near 

 the right side, far back, near hip or rump. Thus one may 

 hold a sheep with least exertion and under best control. 

 Ordinarily, also, one may simply hold the sheep at the head, 

 placing the left hand under the jaw and the right hand on 

 the back of the head. The hand should never grasp the 

 wool, for nothing causes a sheep to struggle more than pull- 

 ing the wool. It is not an uncommon thing to see men seize 

 the wool at the back or neck and begin to struggle with the 

 sheep, a method that succeeds admirably in frightening the 

 animal and causing unnecessary trouble. Sheep that have 

 never been handled will resist much more than those that 



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