274 Sheep-Farming 



Stir the mixture well, then with the hand apply the 

 liquid over the body and back of the sheep, patting 

 the fleece with the palm of the hand until the wool 

 has a soft, silky feeling. One dressing will usually 

 prove sufficient. A light jacket should be placed 

 on the sheep at once to prevent dust adhering to the 

 wool after it has been oiled. 



Firming the fleece. — Flat board pressure is often 

 used on medium-wooled sheep to level and compress 

 the wool on their backs. It assists in making the 

 fleece appear level and mellow, yet firm to the touch. 

 A limber piece of board about the size of an ordi- 

 nary shingle is excellent for this purpose. The sheep 

 is gently beaten over all parts, especially on the back, 

 with the board, and special care is taken not to over- 

 look any part of the body. 



Trimming long-wooled sheep. — Although trimming 

 is not so noticeable in the sheep of the long-wooled 

 breeds, it is extensively practiced. When I left 

 Great Britain in 1865, the Border Leicesters were 

 clipped and trimmed with care. In those days, 

 stubble shearing was much resorted to in these 

 breeds, but latterly it has been prohibited. The 

 Lincolns, Cheviots, and Cotswolds at that time 

 underwent treatment by smearing with ocher, and 

 •they also were trimmed. 



Treatment of long-wooled fleeces. — The fleeces of 

 the long-wooled breeds may be greatly improved by 

 prudent trimming and the use of soft soap and water. 



