HANDLING AND STABLING 253 



amount of labor required. The sheep are handled in large 

 flocks and are generally cared for by herders, who move the 

 flocks with the pasture, going into the highlands in the 

 siunmer and to the vaUeys or lowlands for the winter. As 

 the weather becomes warm in the spring the movement 

 begins, and by following near the snow line, fresh and 

 nutritious grasses are obtained. However, the open range 

 is rapidly disappearing, and the cost of rearing sheep in the 

 west is continually advancing. This condition will even- 

 tually force the raising of more sheep in other parts of the 

 country. 



The Shepherd. — Not every one can make a success 

 of sheep husbandry. The profits from this industry depend 

 in a great measure upon the man engaged in the work. 

 The successful sheep man generally has well-defined qual- 

 ities without which the handling of sheep would be un- 

 profitable. No domesticated animal appreciates gentle- 

 ness more than the sheep, and if the industry is to return 

 profits the shepherd must be gentle and kind in the handling 

 of his animals. 



Stabling for Sheep. — Quarters for sheep should be dry, 

 clean, well ventilated, and not too warm. These animals 

 are protected from inclement weather by heavy fleeces, 

 and can withstand a great deal of cold, but let them become 

 wet and serious troubles at once begin. Sheep barns 

 should be placed upon high, dry ground so that drainage 

 away from the building is assured. The quarters should be 

 kept well bedded with clean straw. Pure air should be 

 provided at all times, but great care should be taken to 

 prevent drafts. Sheep contract colds easily, and large losses 

 often occur from pneumonia when over-zealous amateurs try 

 to provide sheep with fresh air by leaving barn doors open. 



