238 Sheep-Farming 



it must be larger than when they are not. Make 

 crates as light as is consistent with necessary strength. 

 Each Iamb should be wrapped in new muslin, 

 enough to cover all the exposed tissue. Neatness 

 in every detail in the dressing, as attention to details 

 in feeding, is important in the winter-lamb business. 



Docking and castrating. — As these lambs are 

 slaughtered at so young an age, they are never docked 

 nor is it necessary to castrate them. However, 

 late in the season it is advisable to castrate lest 

 some be left when the weather becomes too warm 

 to ship, and ram lambs sent to the market alive 

 have to go at a discount. 



These lambs may be sent to market just as late 

 in the spring as weather conditions will permit. In 

 the spring it is an advantage to be near one's market. 

 During cold weather, they may be shipppd five 

 hundred miles or even farther. 



Markets. — In years past. New York and Boston 

 have been the principal markets, but a market for 

 this product may be developed in almost every city 

 with its first-class hotels and restaurants. 



Buildings. — The barn for this branch of sheep 

 husbandry must be capable of being closed tightly, 

 yet must be well lighted and ventilated. Doors 

 should be made in two sections, so that the upper 

 part can be kept open in all pleasant weather. The 

 windows should be so arranged as to open easily. 

 A good plan for this is to have them hinged at the 



