Preparation of Sheep far Show 265 



be shorn early, while the Downs do better if shorn 

 later. 



Attention to the feet. — The housed sheep should 

 have a regular supply of litter to keep their wool 

 unstained and their feet sound. To further assist 

 in doing this, some shepherds allow their show sheep 

 to run on pasture for an hour or so in the morning 

 and also in the evening, but as a rule, it is best not 

 to disturb the sheep in this way. The feet of the 

 sheep should be trimmed periodically, and care 

 should be taken to avoid paring too deeply. The 

 tread should always be on the sole of the foot, which 

 will remain sound if the outer edges are properly 

 pared. Neglect paring and the superabundant 

 growth doubles under the foot and incloses filth. 

 This predisposes the sheep to foot rot, which always 

 results in a loss of flesh. It is an important matter 

 for stock in the show arena to stand level on their 

 feet, and this depends greatly on the care taken in 

 the use of the paring knife. 



Variety of foods required. — Sheep should be fed 

 the best of everything that is in season, whether it is 

 rape, clover, tares, thousand-headed kale, or cabbage ; 

 all of these may be grown to perfection in the greater 

 portion of this country and at least some of them in 

 all regions. In addition, a continued variety of 

 food should be given, including such as linseed cake, 

 beans, peas, bran, oats, barley, wheat and lentils, 

 or locust beans. No definite rule can be given for 



