Formation of a Flock 137 



breds, he would be under the necessity of purchasing 

 new stock upon which to found the pure-bred 

 flock. 



Numbers are wholly subordinate to merit in the 

 initial stock. On an average-sized farm where other 

 stock is kept, a dozen ewes or even half a dozen will 

 prove satisfactory as the start for a flock. A larger 

 number has the advantage with some persons of 

 insuring interest and the devotion of time and care 

 that might not be afforded a smaller and seemingly 

 less significant number. If a larger number of the 

 right kind can be secured, it is well to do so, but 

 there can be no true business economy in sacrificing 

 merit to get numbers. 



Selecting foundation stock. — In considering that 

 sheep are to be kept upon the farm, it is assumed that 

 the place they are to occupy has been decided upon. 

 While sheep have a value as gleaners and scavengers, 

 the keeping of them cannot be profitable unless they 

 are so cared for as to permit the exercise of their 

 peculiar advantage in economy of production. The 

 keeping of sheep having been decided upon, the mat- 

 ter next in order and coming before the choice of a 

 breed is the plan of handling. The kind of pasture, 

 the extent of use of forage crops, the age to market, 

 are all matters that need to be settled for the home 

 conditions and market before coming to a decision 

 as to the kind of sheep likely to prove most satis- 

 factory. 



