WATER 253 



the hands of the operator thoroughly disinfected with a two per cent 

 solution of carbolic acid or some other good disinfectant. 



Every shepherd should realize the importance of skill in de- 

 livering the lamb. In pure-bred flocks, particularly where it is 

 nearly always advisable to retain good breeding ewes long after 

 they have begun to decline in vigor, the ability to know when things 

 are not going right in lambing and tlie further ability to make them 

 right are invaluable. Some are blessed more than others with the 

 natural ability of knowing what to do and how to do it, but it requires 

 much practice on the part of any one to develop the skill necessary 

 to deal successfully with the various emergencies that arise. Dia- 

 grams and written descriptions will give some assistance, of course, 

 but the skill is developed by actually handling cases. 



After Parturition. — For several days after the lamb is born the 

 shepherd should keep the ewe under close observation. He should 

 see to it that she casts the placenta (after birth) ; that her bowels 

 and udder are in good condition; that she is not exposed to cold 

 draughts, and that she is properly provided with drink and sound, 

 easily digested feed. 



Feed. — When the ewe is in good condition it is well to feed grain 

 sparingly or not at all for the first three or four days after the lamb 

 is bom, but if she is in thin condition and has very little milk it 

 may be advisable to begin giving her grain when the lamb is only 

 a few hours old. Sometimes the ewe has no appetite, in which case 

 she should be offered the most palatable and most easily digested 

 feeds such as bran, linseed oil meal, and the very best clover or 

 alfalfa hay. Loss of appetite for a few hours may not be a serious 

 matter, but if the ewe continues to have no desire for feed the shep- 

 herd should note whether or not her bowels are in good condition. 

 A good physic with 4 ounces of raw linseed oil or 4 ounces of epsom 

 salts '" often brings a ewe to her feed in a short time, and a teaspoon 

 each of tincture of gentian and ginger in a half pint of tepid 

 water given three times daily vrill stimulate her appetite. If she is 

 thin in flesh a teaspoon of tincture of iron added to each dose 

 may assist in building her up so that she can take care of her lamb. 



Water. — Since she is usually in a feverish condition the ewe is 

 very thirsty Just after parturition and, although she should be 



°A quick acting physic is made by mixing 2 ounces of raw linseed or 

 castor oil with 4 ounces of Epsom salts. An injection of soapy water is 

 good in case the ewe is constipated. 



