270 Sheep-Farming 



most satisfactory. The use of such substances as 

 treacle is to be condemned. It will be observed 

 that I have not given the extra weights of the various 

 foods that they have been fed. I made it a practice 

 to be governed by judgment without the assistance 

 of scales when feeding sheep for show. One excep- 

 tion occurred in 1892, when a pen of wethers was 

 being prepared for exhibition that fall. Desiring 

 to make all the circumstances as favorable as possible 

 for winning some important prizes with this pen, 

 Professor Craig was consulted as to the proper 

 selection of foods to make a good ration. The fol- 

 lowing was submitted : three pounds clover hay, 

 one-half pound oats, one-half pound oil cake, one- 

 fourth pound corn, one-fourth pound wheat. It 

 may be mentioned that the nutritive ratio of this is 

 about 1 : 5, which is considered a proper proportion 

 for fattening sheep. The feeding of this gave excel- 

 lent results, and it contributed in a large degree to 

 the merits of the pen of wethers that were the 

 champions at the Chicago Fat Stock Show in 1892. 

 Use of jackets. — Jackets should always be used 

 after early shearing, as they will help to improve 

 the fleece in point of cleanliness and firmness. The 

 best material to use is strong muslin or light sail- 

 cloth. The jackets should extend along the body 

 and completely cover the sides. The ends that meet 

 in front of the bosom should be sewed together and 

 an opening should be left for the sheep's neck and 



