ie ist
a=—<—————*— Re Sentence — ee~: Ste eal
_ TN
SHEEP.
CESTERS, and their rivals the Soutg Downs, about one-third twins. 9 ae The usual tuppine season is from August to Michaelmas; but it is otherwise with the Dorsets, which supply the markets with house-lamb. I know of no natural impediment to the ewes receiv- ing the ram at any time of the year; the difficulties on this head are to be attributed, I believe, to the labour of driving and folding, and to poor chil- ling keep. Ellis, although an excellent practical writer on sheep, and a man of sound understand- ig, but abominably tedious, shewed himself a very poor physiologist, in his famous secret for forcing ewes to take the tup; to harass them about with dogs, until, from fatigue, they would stand still to urine! To those who desire to bring their ewes in, at any particular season, I would recommend to confine the ewe, as is practised with the mare; those forced embraces are known to be successful with the latter animal; and[ have other reasons to make no doubt but they. would be equally so. with the former. The ewe should, however, be in full health, and‘good keep; and, perhaps, allowed a little corn, or other nourish- ing food previously. The improved method is, to keep the tup by himself, at least with only a female or two to quiet him, introducing the ewes in succession. Fifty or SIXty ewes are. as many as should be trusted to a shearling, or young ram: a full-aged tup will suffice double the number. The ram and ewe are kept for breeding four or five years. Sheep first shed and renew two TEETH, at fifteen months
sao)


