SHEEP. BREEDING AND MANACfEMENT. 
317 
Sheep are eager for shade in warm weather. We do not heiieve in 
shading pastures with trees. It is better and cheaDer to have sheds, ' 
open on all sides, and of ample size to shelter the fio k. The covering 
may bs of boughs, or anything that is cheap. Yv c have used common 
factory muslin, stretched on a light frame, double pitched roof, with a 
two foot space at the peak, for the oscano of wind : the shed twelve feet 
wide and running north and south. This gives free ventilation, and id 
the coolest shade we know. 
Water. 
Water is not generally considered an absolute necessity to 6heep when 
on pasture. Where they are allowed to grazo when the dew is on the 
grass, or the grass is succulent, they seem to get along pretty well. We 
like them, however, to have a chance at water once a day. In the case 
of ewes suckling lambs it is necessary that they have water in plenty. 
Absolute purity of water hotvever is always indispensable. Sheep object 
to drinking foul water, and their instinct ought to satisfy any person that 
it is not fit for them. Many serious disorders to stock of ail kinds are 
occasioned by drinking impure water. 
Dosing Sheep. 
Wet, low, or mucky pastures are not fit for sheep. It is an entirely 
true adage that the sheep’s foot must be kept dry; nevertheless there 
are many sheep kept other than among firm, dry, hill pastures. Some 
shepherds are continually dosing with salt and alum, salt and sulphur, 
and various other compounds under the supposition that it tends to health. 
Give them what salt they need, always, and examine them often for 
disease. When they are well, however, let well enough alone. 
Pall Pasturage and Feeding. 
In tho Autumn, as the season advances, sheep should have some 
fodder. It is the time of year when, if allowed to fail in fie»h a mis* 
chief is done that cannot bo remedied. There is a peculiarity about wool 
that one shepherd in twenty knows nothing about. To have a uniform, 
growth, and of equal strength, tho wool must grow steadily, as the 
season advances. If tho sheep are allowed to. fall suddenly away, the 
growth of wool ceases. When growth again commences, the wool, in- 
stead of continuing even in texture will have what is termed a joint. 
This is often so weak that very slight force will break it. The microscope 
will reveal every period of starvation and subsequent. good feeding that 
cheep may have experienced in the course of the year s growth of wool. 
