SHEEP FOR MUTTON.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2254, 19 May 1881, Page 4

SHEEP FOR MUTTON.

For a breeding flock farmers should pay especial attention to selecting only such as aro of strong constitution, good form, hardy, quick feeders and early to mature, coupled with as valuable a fleece as possible, although this is of a secondary consideration. The possession of all these qualities in a breeding stock is of the utmost importance, and should be carefully considered in each individual sheep, for the bettor or worse they may be the greater or less will bo the profit realised from the flock. When any one has not sufficient confidence in hie own judgment to make a proper selection of breeders he would avail himself of the services of a friend who is capable of doing it for him, as he may be assured this is well worth the extra trouble and moderate expense such a course may he to him. Feed is the next thing of importance, and in giving this be careful that it is such as will keep the sheep at all times in good store order ; not over fat on the one hand, or lean on the other. It too fat, neither males nor females will produce as many or as strong lambs as when fairly kept, nor will their offspring be so hardy and thrifty. The milk of over fat ewes is liable to give their lambs the scours, while that of the loan is not sufficient for their full nourishment. Thus, in both cases, the growth of the offspring is cheeked, and they never can be made as good sheep as if they had been properly nourished when young. Of the best kind of feed for store keep or fattening sheep every farmer must learn to judge for himself and act accordingly, for this varies with the climate, season, and weather. Take for example a hilly pasture in dry weather. The grass will then be scant, wiry and so hard of digestion as not to furnish sufficient nourishment for the flock. If then it can be brought down at evening to richer land, growing a more succulent herbage, and hurdled there till morning, this will assist in digesting the dryer food of the day, and fill their stomachs with all that is necessary to keep the sheep in good condition or even fatten them for market. Again, during a superabundant fall of rain, grass becomes so rank and watery that if eaten too freely it causes scours. Tho fleck ought then to to bo fed partly on dry hay or straw, it they will oat it, to correct this looseness, and in any ovent have a moderate ration morning and nights of linseed meal or £Ux seed ground half and half with oats. When fed on roots in winter the same ration ohould be added, which will generally prevent scouring. One great consideration to the farmer in keeping sheep is that tho carcass is so much smaller than that of the bullock that ho can easily supply himself with fresh moat. This is not only moro palatable and healthful than salt meats, bub the consumption of it in hob weather is nothing like such a provocation of thirst as 7 tho latter to all outdoor laborers.— “ Rural New Yorker.”