The Sheep Stock of Gloucestershire . 
43 
Any ram lambs intended for showing are picked out in 
November and housed under cover with a yard to run in, 
and fed on cut roots, cake, corn, peas and beans, their feeding 
continuing the same until early cabbage and vetches succeed 
to swedes and mangolds. 
The ewes meanwhile, after weaning, are washed and shorn 
and put on the barest common available until shortly before 
the turning out of the rams, when they are changed on to 
better keep, a piece of aftermath clover and rye-grass being the 
most usual feed available at the time. This may be followed 
by a run on the stubbles to pick up any heads of oats or 
barley which may be left. As long as there is grass, or seeds, 
the ewes should not go on to roots, it being found that the 
fewer roots they have before lambing the better. When 
necessary to put them on they should have as much hay and 
exercise as possible. 
The private sales of rams, at one time such a feature of 
Cotswold ram breeding, have been discontinued in the 
district for some years, although the practice is still con- 
tinued by Mr. Davis Brown in Norfolk. Public auction 
and individual sales have replaced them. The recent rise in 
the price of wool has given a decided stimulus to the demand 
for Cotswold rams, some idea of which as well as of the 
principal markets, and of prices realised, will be gained from 
the following figures extracted from returns published in 
agricultural annuals ; the figures, be it understood are not 
complete. 
At Hampton Green Fair in 1908, 85 rams averaged 
11 guineas, while 35 ram lambs averaged 11Z. 10s. 6<Z. At 
the same fair in 1907, 187 rams averaged 10Z. 14s. At 
Messrs. T. Brown & Son’s private ram letting at Marham 
Hall, Norfolk, in 1906, 80 rams averaged 9Z. 8s., while 
120 ram lambs averaged 81 . 6s. 3cZ. In 1907, 80 rams from 
the same flock averaged 9Z. 7s., while 120 ram lambs averaged 
71. 16s. A certain number of rams and ram lambs are also 
sold at Cirencester Ram Fair in August and September, when 
some good prices are made, although the average is not so 
high as these already given. 
Sales are also held at Oxford, Gloucester and Ilsley Fair. 
Bruce Swanwick. 
The Thatched House, 
Coates, Cirencester. 
