"MODERN SHEEP." BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 20

"MODERN SHEEP." BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT.

By "Shepherd Boy. M

Tho first portion of " Shepherd's Boy's ' book begins with an accurate description or all the British breeds of sheep. Interesting particulars of each varieVy are given in turn, accompanied by a creditable presentation of the breed under consideration. A number of Continental natives, and breeds which have their origin and exist in other countries, are then described. From the description and diagram taken together a remarkably good idea of the characteristics of the breed can be obtained. Included in this lot is the coming New Zealand product, the Comedale, our inbred halfbred. In reference to this breed it is stated that "on account of various breeders getting foundations years ago from three distinct breeds of longwools— viz., the Lincoln, English Leicester, and Romney,— it is only natural that a slight diversity of type should exist, and it is etiJl a question if the true one aimed at is vet perfectly fived." This describes the position arcuiaf-oly. and little progress will be made till the Sheep Association establishes reliable data to work upon. Some of the flocks may be a little finer in the wool than othcis, but the Corriedale has come to slay. and more will vot be heard of it. The Gist part concludes with a history of the finer woolled sorts— the American merino, the Rambouillcts, and the Delaine merinos. The second part deals with the general management of the flock, and leads off with the exhortation to "go easy in starting a flock, and " feel your way. consoled with the reflection that the flock that docs not pay these days gets poor care " and assured of the fact that anyone who will give faithful attention to business can make money without drudgery from a flock." If the numbers justify the employment of a shepherd definite mf«« C ~ tions "are given *» to hi* work, and the sort of man to employ. The writer then o-oes on to discus the selection of the breeding flock and stud and flock rams, and make's tho significant remark that '• when a sheep has well-sprung- ribs, l^ann of heart room, stands low in lejj, is thick in crop and twists, and has ample breadth of skull it usually dies of an acquired disease rather than a constitutional one. ' .Various other physiological problems ml

reference to successful sheep-breeding ar^l discussed with great ability and clearness of detail. Sheaving, dipping, and market* ing are reviewed in turn, this section of th& work winding up with a general scorft card used in judging sheep. \ Part 111 deals with management in tha.' Western States, which is interesting reading} for a colonial, and the remaining sections handle such subjects as "Fitting for Show,'* "Preparing: for Market," and other items iitai to the well-being 1 of the- flock-owner^ evidently written by a man who has "beeM through the null," and knows what he i& writing about. The book winds up with! some crinkles on growing forage crops suitable for sheep-feeding, and treats various diseases incidental to sheep life. " Modern Sheep " would be a valuable} addition to any flock-owner's library. Mosfj of it has local as well as American applf* cation, and such -valuable practical hints are given throughout that the work should prove an acquisition to anyone endeavouring to make a living out of sheep-farming* The writer is to bo congratulated on ma?. shalling and presenting- such a- volume off information in so interesting and readable/ a manner, and every flook-owner in, thd Dominion should make a point of securing a copy of " Shepherd Boy's" work.