404 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



At present, the fanner should start with a small flock, increas- 

 ing it gradually as he learns its habits and needs. The unex- 

 perienced should begin with a grade flock of ewes, which should 

 be mated to a pure-bred ram. The sire is as important in the 

 flock as in the herd of dairy cattle. The second year a few pure- 

 bred ewes, of the same breeding as the ram, may be purchased; 

 and with these as a basis, start a pure-bred flock. Some of the 

 best flocks in America have been started in this way. 



PLAN OF BKEEDING 



A clearly defined plan should.be outlined before the farmer 

 makes an attempt at breeding sheep. The intending sheep 

 breeder should make a careful study of successful sheep farms, 

 noting the conditions wherein his differs, and the modifications 

 that must be adopted. The farmer who rushes into sheep 

 breeding blindly because the price of wool or mutton seems 

 to warrant it is likely to pay dearly for his experience. 



Cooperative breeding. — The value of united effort cannot be 

 overestimated in breeding sheep. This does not mean that 

 the farmers should be partners from a financial point of view, 

 but all should help to advance the interests of each .other's flock. 

 Free conversation on all matters relating to the flock will prove 

 of common advantage ; the owner will improve in sheep knowl- 

 edge, and the flock improve in excellency. There are many 

 things that a few sheep breeders would be able to do that one 

 alone would hardly undertake, and not least among these is 

 the purchasing of a pure-bred ram of much excellency. The 

 influence of such a ram is left in the flocks of several breeders, 

 and uniformity is promoted. The old saying, "in unity there 

 is strength," apphes to the sheep industry, as to others. 



CHOOSING BREEDING STOCK 



In choosing the foundation flock, the farmer must have in 

 mind the demand that he means to supply, wool or mutton, and 



