Domestic animals : history and description of the horse, mule, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, and farm dogs : with directions for their management, breeding, crossing, rearing, fee by Allen R. L. (Richard Lamb) 1803-1869

Author:Allen, R. L. (Richard Lamb), 1803-1869
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Horses, Domestic animals
Publisher: New York : C.M. Saxton & Company
Published: 1857-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

and saved by itself, before dismissing the slieep, but not put up with choice fleeces.

If wounds are made, which is sometimes the case with unskilful operators, a mixture of tar and grease ought to be applied. After shearing, such horns and hoofs as are likely to be troublesome, should be sawed and pared.

The hranding, or marking, is essential to distinguish them from other flocks, and this is done on the shoulder, side, or buttock, A brush or marking-iron'is used for this purpose, with paint made of lampblack, to which a little spirits of turpentine is first added, and then diluted with linseed or lard oil.

If the weather be cool, and especially, if severe storms occur after washino^ or shearino-, the flock should be housed. If sultry, they should have a cool, shady retreat, where they will be shielded from the flies and the heat. Blisters and permanent injury to the skin and fleece, are frequently the result of such exposure. Shade trees in their pastures, contribute much to the comfort of sheep, when exposed to a blazing sun. A close examination of the skin should be made at shearing, for the detection of disease or vermin.

For remedies, see article diseases.

Smearing or Salving Sheep

Is a custom Httle practised in this country. For cold, elevated, and bleak exposures, it may be necessary, and it is, therefore, generally adopted in Scotland. The object is, to prevent cutaneous diseases and vermin, and furnish additional warmth and protection to the fleeces of such breeds as are deficient in yolk. It is usually performed in the latter part of October, but is sometimes done immediately after shearing.

The mixture or salve consists of tar and butter or grease, in diff"erent proportions ; 1 gallon of the former to 12, or sometimes 20 lbs. of the latter; the greater proportion of tar being required for the younger sheep, or for more exposed situations. The grease is melted over the fire, and the tar stirred in, and when sufficiently cool, it is applied to the whole body of the sheep, b}'- carefully parting the wool and rubbing it on the skin with the fingers. The above quantity is sufficient for 30 or 50 sheep, according to their size and the character of the wool.

This appHcation is not required for fine-woolled sheep, whose fleeces are more appropriately protected bj a natural

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