Farm Sheep 173 



very small expense. A shed eighteen feet wide and sixty 

 feet long, closed on three sides, may be erected at a cost of 

 about $30 to $35 for the material. Such a shed will 

 provide ample protection for about forty or fifty ewes 

 but of course will not provide storage room for hay and 

 feed. In regions where climatic conditions are very severe, 

 it might be necessary to have a sheep barn, but such a 

 barn can be erected at a very reasonable figure and yet be 

 very serviceable. A more detailed discussion of barns 

 will be found on page 194. 



THE FLOCK 



Establishing a flock. 



In establishing a flock, it is better for a farmer to start 

 on a small scale unless he has previously had experience 

 with sheep. A mistake in management or an error in 

 judgment is not of so great importance when only a few 

 are involved and experience is thus obtained at the mini- 

 mum risk and expense. Sheep, although they do not in- 

 terfere materially with the regular farm operations, do 

 have peculiarities which at times require immediate at- 

 tention. One cannot turn them off by themselves and 

 expect them to thrive and do well. Such things as 

 falling on their backs in dead furrows, foot-rot, and simi- 

 lar troubles, will cause serious loss if not given immediate 

 attention. By raising the sheep himself, instead of buying 

 them all, the farmer may obtain a more uniform flock and 

 one that would be better adapted to his conditions, besides 

 getting them cheaper. 



Grade flock. 



A grade flock is required where the production of market 

 stock is the sole aim. Grade sheep are inferior to pure- 



