Preparation of Sheep for Show 267 



the pen were opened so that each lot went by turns 

 into the exercising paddocks. At this time, their 

 pens were littered with fresh straw and sedulous 

 attention given to the cleanliness of the feed and 

 water troughs. The last meal was given at nine 

 o'clock; the temperature being cool, they ate with 

 keen appetite. They had grain and a few cabbages. 

 Some sweet hay was left in their racks and fresh 

 water put in their troughs, as they drank freely 

 during the night. With this treatment, and by 

 feeding small quantities frequently, it will be found 

 that the sheep will take their full ration at this season. 

 Some of our most successful exhibitors have obtained 

 the best results from feeding their sheep food in a 

 sloppy condition during the heat of summer. If 

 this is done, careful attention must be given to the 

 feed boxes that they may not become sour. 



Overfeeding possible. — In fitting animals for exhi- 

 bition, it is necessary to be cautious in regard to 

 feeding them heavily. Begin early to train them 

 to eat by increasing the amount of feed gradually. 

 Heavy feeding on a rich ration without preparation 

 for it is apt to bring on some digestive troubles that 

 will materially check the progress of the sheep. 

 Owing to this fact, some feeders (A. Mansell, " Forma- 

 tion Pure Bred Flocks," page 15) will not use peas or 

 beans, it being claimed that these produce derange- 

 ments of the system, which become evident in weak 

 legs and a shrunken appearance of the body. This 



