180 Western Lwve-stock Management 
ing the ewes from a thin run-down condition to a strong, 
vigorous condition. Perhaps this can be brought about 
in no better way than by feeding good succulent feed such 
as rape, kale, or green clover. Of these rape is the best. 
The ewes are commonly kept on dry pastures during the 
summer months so that when put on this green rich feed, 
they gain very rapidly. The important point in “flush- 
ing” is that the ewes be gaining rapidly rather than that 
they be already fat. There are several advantages to be 
gained by flushing. First, if the ewe is in good vigorous 
condition she will be better able to withstand disease than 
if she goes into winter quarters in a thin condition. Sec- 
ond, the percentage of lambs is slightly increased, due to 
more vigorous condition of the ewe. Third, the ewes will 
breed more readily, thus shortening the lambing period. 
Breeding season. 
Before the breeding season begins the ewe flock is culled. 
All ewes that have not proved to be good producers or 
good mothers and all ewes with broken mouths or with 
spoiled udders and teats, are sold to the butcher. The 
work of culling is usually performed by the shepherd 
himself, as he knows the actual performance and condition 
of each ewe. 
Most breeders tag the ewes before turning in the ram. 
This means clipping all surplus wool from the end of the 
tail and around the vulva. This aids the ram in mating, 
saves his vitality, and also insures less barren ewes in the 
flock. 
The breeding season for most sheep is the fall of the year. 
The ewes are bred as early as possible, preferably during 
the months of September and October where climatic 
conditions in the early spring are not too severe. As 
