CHAPTER X 

 SUMMER MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOCK 



DuKiNG the summer months, the flock is too often 

 completely neglected after the shearing has been 

 accomplished. As a rule, the sheep are allowed to 

 run in some large field where water is available to 

 them, and they are left entirely to themselves during 

 this season. While it is a time during which the 

 sheep are well prepared to care for themselves, yet 

 there are a few details requiring attention that add 

 greatly to their thrift and comfort. 



Ordinarily all the ewes with lambs may run in one 

 lot after turning to pasture. Ewes not having pro- 

 duced lambs are usually disposed of before summer. 

 Ewes having lost their lambs and which it is desired 

 to retain to breed again may run with the nursing 

 ewes, but if the size of the flock justifies two divisions, 

 such as dry ewes may run with the yearlings, and if 

 these are well wintered, a fair pasture will carry them 

 into the fall in good shape. The possibility of the 

 ewes breeding during summer renders it unadvisable 

 to leave the ram with the main flock. He will usu- 

 ally be contented in a separate lot until fall, but if 

 not, one or two other sheep with him will insure 

 quietude. 



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