Farm Sheep 175 



better. The middle wools are also good, but need more 

 protection from the rains. Any of the mutton breeds 

 may be used successfully in the dry parts of the West, since 

 the flocking qualities of the Merino are of no advantage 

 on the farm. Regardless of breed, the fleeces must re- 

 ceive careful attention, since the wool from the ewes should 

 bring in nearly as much money as the lambs. 



Pure-bred flock. 



Since the increase from the pure-bred flock is to be sold 

 as breeding stock, it is fundamental that the foundation 

 stock be enough better in breeding and individuality than 

 the average stock of the country that their offspring will 

 be capable of effecting a marked improvement when used 

 to grade up the common stock. Not all pure-bred sheep 

 of any breed are sufficiently desirable and those that are 

 not should be sold for mutton and not continued in the 

 breeding flock. In establishing a pure-bred flock, only 

 first-class stock is worthy of consideration. It is also de- 

 sirable to buy from a well-known breeder, since one is 

 more sure of what he is procuring and, furthermore, will 

 give the new flock a good reputation at the start. Repu- 

 tation, it must be remembered, is very important when 

 one comes to sell his increase. 



It should be borne in mind that the breeding flock is 

 by no means a show flock. The best breeders usually 

 keep their breeding ewes in the background and place 

 their show stock in the barn where it can be seen by buyers 

 and visitors. A good breeding ewe, which is working every 

 year carrying one, two, or three lambs and successfully 

 nursing them during the period of infancy, is sure to lose 

 some of her uniformity of body lines and wool covering 

 in a few years, and will not present the handsome ap- 



