PERMANENT MARKS ON SHEEP. 185 



of the rivet is headed down, on the inner side of the ear. 

 The head is about half an inch in diameter, and on this is 

 stamped the number of the sheep. I have never tested it; 

 but learn that it has given satisfaction to those who have 

 done so. The copper belt rivet itself might be used. 



A fourth mode of pennanent marking was introduced to 

 some extent among the breeders of New York in 1862. To 

 a ring three-fourths of an inch in circumference, 

 and formed of smallish No. 14 brass wire, was 

 suspended a plate of copper of the form exhibited 

 in the annexed cut, on which were stamped the 

 initials of the owner's name, and the number of 

 the sheep. The ring was inserted about the 

 middle of the ear, so that the plate would remain 

 visible outside the wool. It was found, however, 

 that the ring sometimes cut down through the 

 ear, and sometimes that it was itself cut through 

 by the plate. The cutting of the ear might 

 doubtless be prevented by_ making the holes ™''" ^'"''^^• 

 with a punch, and allowing them- to heal fully before 

 inserting the rings,* and, if necessary, reducing the weight 

 of the plate by making it no larger than in the cut, or even 

 no larger than a five or three cent piece, and as thin as the 

 last named coin. This reduction of weight would probably 

 also prevent the ring from being cut through. Or a split steel 

 ring, or a small T might take the place of the brass ring, f 

 This is so neat and convenient a mode of permanent marking, 

 that it ought to be brought to perfection. 



If not permanently numbered, every large flock of any 

 considerable value, from which sales of breeding sheep are to 

 be made, or which is to be bred with particular reference to 

 individual characteristics, should be annually numbered — for 

 without this there can be no registration. Iti-is performed by 

 stamping figures about 2^ inches long, on the side or rump, 

 with paint, by means of iron or wooden brandsi The latter 

 are cut like a type on the end of blocks of soft wood. It is 

 convenient to have a box of brands (arranged and kept in 

 their order,) with special marks for wethers, cull or draft 



* Brass is corrosive to a new wonnd, and by keeping the edges of the hole raw, 

 works down throngh the ear more readily. 



t The ring taming freely in a hole on sound healed np flesh, wonld be less likely 

 to cut through. The split ring is inserted with considerable difficulty. The T, half an 

 inch long, inserted through a hole already healed and lying across the upper side of 

 the ear could not cut throngh. But if the plate is lightened, as suggested, ^ts upper 

 edge might also be thickened and rounded,) I have httle do^bt the present brass ring 

 would suffice. 



