CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP 425 



where sheep are to be kept continuously the vat should be con- 

 structed in the ground. This will facihtate getting the sheep in 

 and out, and in many clay soils will last a lifetime. In the ab- 

 sence of such a vat, do not neglect to dip the sheep upon their 

 arrival at the farm, for trouble will surely follow. In the ab- 

 sence of anything better, use an ordinary water-trough, one man 

 holding the sheep by the forelegs, another by the hind legs, and 



Fig. 140. — Cheviots. True to type. Owned by G. W. Parnell. 



The Cheviot breed of sheep originated in Scotland. The breed is noted for the 

 productionof wool and mutton. The sheep are comparatively small, but very 

 hardy and excellent grazers. In appearance the animals are neat and trim. 

 Mature rams average about 175 pounds and the owes 150 pounds. They will 

 shear from 6 to 11 pounds of medium-length wool. 



dip backs first. See that the head is immersed. The dip 

 will run down the legs when the sheep are permitted to stand. 

 This is crude but to be preferred to no dipping and the farm 

 becoming infested with ticks and scab, which it surely will if 

 dipping new arrivals is neglected. 



Hoiv dips are used. — The dip must be hot. The best tem- 

 perature is that which a man can endure with the bare arm. 



