Management of Sheep. 



17 



exception of the slight deviation of their fleshy which is not so firm 

 or fine in its texture, that it is unnecessary to repeat them. This 

 breed of sheep has also shared in the fashion of the age, and has 

 been alike sought after of late years, particularly the flocks in the 

 neighbourhood of North Leach, the residence of Mr. Hewer, one 

 of the leading breeders; they have also been purchased for the 

 purpose of crossing with the short-woolled breeds, and to good 

 effect. 



The two breeds, being so nearly allied, may be treated under 

 the same head of management ; they are alike confined to the 

 hills and surrounding arable districts, the soil of which is more 

 or less of a thin character, and consequently requires good sheep 

 husbandry, which is practised to some extent. It is a leading 

 feature with the breeders to produce their sheep at an early age, 

 and folding is rarely practised by the best flock-masters in this 

 district of country. 



In setting the flocks particular attention is paid to size, wool, 

 strength of constitution, propensity to fatten, and uniformity of 

 character and carriage, by which the animals are easily distin- 

 guished from other long-woolled breeds. The ewes are placed 

 with the ram rather early in the season, and care is taken to have 

 a reserve of fresh keep to remove them to about the middle of 

 September. The rams are continued with the ewes about nine 

 weeks — the latter part of the time they are kept upon white 

 turnips, as the hill soils produce but moderate keeping at this 

 season of the year ; thence they are drawn out weekly upon the 

 plan adopted by the Leicester breeders. Great attention is paid 

 to their flocks during lambing-time, their yards being made very 

 warm and comfortable. The wether-lambs are put forward and 

 managed upon a similar plan to those upon Lincoln Heath ; but 

 these breeders are more particular in having early spring feed 

 for them. They are supplied with corn, according to circum- 

 stances, through the summer. When the clovers are going off 

 about Midsummer they are frequently removed to green tares 

 provided for them, the ewes being taken away and placed in 

 some distant field. When the lambs are placed upon the tares, 

 they are either allowed fresh pens from time to time, as they re- 

 quire them, or the tares are mown and given them in racks, or 

 laid alongside the trays, to be eaten through them. The better 

 plan, when consumed upon the land, is to have a regular set of 

 iron trays, upon feet, coupled together by rings and staples. 

 These trays should be 12 feet long, upon oak feet 2i feet long, 

 which may be moved in an onward direction several times a-day, 

 according to the consumption through them. By this plan the 

 tares are much economized, and fed off without being the least 

 soiled. These " iron trays," being portable, are equally good for 



VOL. VIII. c 



