The native Virginian. [volume] (Orange Court House, Va.) 1867-187?, 1869-04-02
Garut att6 GarSett.
RAISING OF SHEEP,

This is without doubt the most irnror-
tant branch of Sheep Husbandry. and
one upon which too much attenLlon can
nor De bestowed. 1t may not perhans
apply SO generally 10 those farmers in
thlS immediate part of the State. for
most of those who keep sheep AT Ali
keep what are called flying flocks: ti,at
is, they choose their stock from year to
year, either buying lean sheep from
the DRIVERS, and, alter keeping them A.
while, sell them fat to the droyers AGAIN
to go to the butchers; but still there are
great many farmers who keep stand
ing fiocks generally for the improve
ment OF some particular breed. In or
| der 10 breed sheep successfully it is nec-
essary that several important particu-
say successfully, DO not speak merely
IN regard to increase in Numbers, to,.
some OF the poorer breeds of sheen will
produce as many lambs as those greatly
| superior TO them; but in the production
OF those animals which possess as many
as possible OF those valuable propertics.
which distinguish the breed,
Ihe Hrstand most important OF these,
ana tne one upon which the future snc.
cess of the flocl in great measure de-
pends, is the selection of the flock Of
breeding ewes.
Ihese should be chosen with refey-
ehce TO the following particulars: Tbe
frame work OF the body should be ot
sunlcient size to admit of the fntus be-
ing properly developed reference
snouiu ot. also pe mad to the tactical pro-
Pel.ies: ana They should also be exam
lneu Win reference to their wool and
flesh producing properties: also evinna %o
quiet disposition and not he oivan ny
duly to wandering.
without the possession ofthe first tyo
Pfopeftlesi it is impossible that anvthino
put slihted animals can be produced,
Wlsnoat the two second, all that is val,
uaDie IN sheep aud for which alone
sheep are raised, will, if not lost he
greatly impaired; and without tbe last
there is danger ofthe lambs. alter bein%
dropped, being LETT to perish. Sheer
possessinga quiet disposition also take
on rat more rapidly.
Inc next particular. and one which ia
almost as Important as the first is tbs
seicctloh OF the ram. | say almost as
Important; Tor the question is ONLY in
inspect TO degree; for without doubt. il
ino iaLl Is inferior to the ewes, the
-. a"u.ps 4L VIII also be inferior to them; and
the future flock as the ewes so also IL
comparatively simple matter 70 select
ram OF desirable qualities as it wouiG
,,s oe 70 select flock of ewes possessing
like qualities. possessing
10 necessary that great care be TAX
un ~ aoos ,m seiectlhg ram. 1t is not only
i.eoessary that as many desirable auali-
,es as possible be combined IN himself.
, ,puI lb shouid also be ascertained that
~ .is parents possessed like qualities: for
~ ~ 10 uy no means reasonable to suppose
Ihat the lambs gotten by a perfect anil
mai Will possess like points without
those points have been regularly trans.
mltted to him by his parents.
II Tue necessary care has been takon
N the selection of the ram and ewes. If
y pue reasonable to suppose that the
amps a. m VIII De superior animals, provid-
~ tne proper amount of care and at
entloh mas been bestowed upon the
Inc raising oflambs will be MATERIAL
ass'steu py attention TO one or two
'o,n.s. ~ should be seen too that they
',' ne ooliioItaoly sheltered during incle-
nent weather; they should have an airv
'partment, yet it should be sutllcIently
lose to exclude all draft and anv ex,
ess of cold. '
Whiie with their mothers andon rood
'fass' lambs will not require any extra
eedihg, although the addition of n lit-
ie grain will be of benefit; but during
nose seasons of the year when it lis ne,
essary toekeep them confined. care
nouiu oe taken in selecting their food.
liu tliat KIND should be chosen which
as 'enaency to more especially in
rease the bone and mascie than the
ae'- Cor. Germantown Teleqraph,