SECTION LV. SHEEP
The sheep was perhaps the first animal domesticated by man, and to-day the domesticated sheep is found wherever man lives. It is found domesticated or wild in almost every climate, and finds means to thrive where other animals can scarcely live; it provides man with meat and clothing, and is one of the most profitable and most easily cared-for of animals.
Fig. 252. A Young Shepherd
Sheep increase so rapidly, mature at such an early age, and have flesh so wholesome for food that nearly every farm should have its flock. Another consideration that may be urged in favor of sheep-raising is that sheep improve the land on which they are pastured.
Sheep are docile and easily handled, and they live on a greater diversity of food and require less grain than any other kind of live stock. In mixed farming there is enough food wasted on most farms to maintain a small flock of sheep.
Fig. 253. Sheep have long been called the Golden-Hoofed Animals
Sheep may be divided into three classes:
I. Fine-Wooled Breeds
1. American Merino.
2. Delaine Merino.
3. Rambouillets.
4. Hampshire Down.
5. Oxford Down.
6. Cheviot.
II. Medium-Wooled Breeds
1. Southdown.
2. Shropshire.
3. Horned Dorset.
III. Long-Wooled Breeds
1. Leicester.
2. Lincoln.
3. Cotswold.
The first group is grown principally for wool, and mutton is secondary; in the second group, mutton comes first and wool second; in the third group both are important considerations. Wool is nature's protection for the sheep. Have you ever opened the fleece and observed the clean skin in which the fibers grow? These fibers, or hairs, are so roughened that they push all dirt away from the skin toward the outside of the fleece.
Fig. 254. In the Pasture
Wool is valuable in proportion to the length and evenness of the fiber and the density of the fleece.
EXERCISE
1. How many pounds ought a fleece of wool to weigh?
2. Which makes the better clothing, coarse or fine wool?
3. Why are sheep washed before being sheared?
4. Does cold weather trouble sheep? wet weather?