884 



Suffolk Sheep. 



[Jan., 



In the opiDion of INIr. S. B. Hollings, a Bradford wool 

 expert : 



" A Suffolk fleece possesses exceedingly good, sound commercial 

 characteristics. The quality is good 56's, the staple is nice length, sound 

 and altogether ideal for hosiery purposes. So long as such fleeces aie 

 grown there will always be a healthy market, for wool of this character 

 is more appreciated to-day than ever." 



The average yield of Suffolk wool (washed) is for flock ewes 

 from 5J lb. to lb., and for shearling ewes first clip 7 lb. per 

 head. The fleeces of sheep that are extra well done will weigh 

 slightly more. It is among the top price w^ools in Great Britain 

 to-day. 



Management. — All the leading flock-masters retain the best 

 ewe lambs of their own breeding, in most cases keeping con- 

 siderably more than they require, for selection to make up the 

 flock the following year, as it is impossible to tell for certain 

 until then which will grow into the best sheep. The flock is 

 made up a few weeks before mating, which in ram breeding 

 flocks commences August 7th. The whole flock is carefully 

 examined, all defective ewes being drafted, such as those with 

 had udders, delicate constitutions, unsatisfactory breeders, old 

 and broken mouthed, etc. To facilitate this, ewes are some- 

 times earmarked as defective when in the lambing pen, as 

 faults may be noticed then that might be overlooked at time of 

 drafting. The shearling ewes are then very carefully examined 

 to ensure that the very best are selected for making up the 

 flock to the required number. Every year the utmost care 

 should be taken to ensure that the flock is in a sound and 

 healthy condition, and the ew^es of as good a type and character 

 as possible. If this is not done every year the flock will be 

 sure to deteriorate. 



The greatest care is taken in the selection of the rams. Good 

 home-bred rams may be, and often are, used. There is much 

 to be said in favour of this, as one knows exactly how they 

 are bred. If and when outside blood is necessary every effort 

 is made to secure the best without too great a consideration as 

 to price. Eam lambs are chiefly used, but when one has 

 proved a good sire it is used for several years. 



It is advisable that the ewes should mate quickly to get a 

 uniform lot of lambs born as early in the year as possible. The 

 best of these are pushed on for exhibition at the shows and all 

 the ram lambs kept going until the saj^s, the competition being 

 very keen. The best of the ram lambs will weigh from 10 to 



