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- 
