CHAPTER V. 



SHEARING AND DIPPING THE FLOCK. 



When warm weather comes on, flockowners 

 should begin to think about shearing their sheep. 

 In the Eastern, Middle, and Southern States, shear- 

 ing commences about April 1 in most instances. 

 Sheep in the Western States are, however, sheared 

 somewhat later. Of course the time of shearing 

 will depend largely upon the weather, the season, 

 and the locality. Some sheepowners wait much 

 later than the date mentioned for they know that 

 when sheep are sheared real late in the season 

 and after they have been on grass for a long time 

 thejr have more yolk in their wool and hence 

 shear a heavier fleece than when they are sheared 

 early. The writer has known of cases where sheep 

 were compelled to carry their heavy coats as late 

 as the middle of June, through the hottest kind of 

 weather, all because an increase of yolk and a 

 heavier fleece were desired. It is true that the 

 wool will contain more yolk when the sheep have 

 been on grass for a long time previous to shear- 

 ing, but there are disadvantages which more than 

 counterbalance this fact. Often while flockown- 

 ers are waiting for an increase of yolk in the wool 



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