With the exception of the dog, there is no one of the brute
creation which exhibits the diversity of size, color, form, covering,
and general appearance, which characterizes the sheep,
and none which occupies a wider range of climate, or subsists
on a greater variety of food. In every latitude between the
equator and the arctic, he ranges over the sterile mountains,
and through the fertile valleys. He feeds on almost every
species of edible forage, the cultivated grasses, clovers, cereals
and roots; he browses on aromatic and bitter herbs; he crops
the leaves and bark from the stunted forest shrubs, and the
pungent, resinous evergreens. In some parts of Norway and
Sweden, when other resources fail, he subsists on fish or flesh
during their long and rigorous winters, and if reduced to
necessity, he eats his own wool.
He is diminutive like the Orkney, or massive like the Teeswater.
He is policerate or many horned; he has two large or
small spiral horns like the Merino, or is polled or hornless like
the mutton sheep. He has a long tail like our own breeds; a
broad tail, like many of the eastern; or a mere button of a tail,
like the fat-rumps, discernible only by the touch. His coat is
sometimes long and coarse, like the Lincolnshire; short and
hairy, like those of Madagascar; soft and furry, like the
Angola; or fine and spiral, like the silken Saxon. His color,
either pure or fancifully mixed, varies from the white or black
of our own country, to every shade of brown, dun, buff, blue,
and gray, like the spotted flocks of the Cape of Good Hope
and other parts of Africa and Asia. This wide diversity is the
result of long domestication, under almost every conceivable
variety of condition.
Among the antediluvians, sheep were immolated for sacrificial
offerings, and their fleeces probably furnished them with
clothing. Since the deluge, their flesh has with all nations
been used as a favorite food for man. By many of the
rude, roving nations of the East, they are employed in carrying
burdens.
Their milk is generally used by the uncivilized, and to some
extent by the refined nations of Europe, not only as a beverage,
but for making into cheese, butter, and curds. Job refers
to its use, as do Isaiah and other of the Old Testament
writers. Most of the Greek and Roman authors describe its
general use and manufacture. The ewe's milk scarcely differs
in appearance from that of the cow, but is generally thicker,
and yields a pale, yellowish butter, that is always soft and
soon becomes rancid. Culley remarks, "the cheese from their
milk is exceedingly pungent, and for that reason is preferred by
many to that from the cow." In Wales, the milk is mixed
with that of the dairy, and makes a tart, palatable cheese.
We have never seen it appropriated for dairy purposes in the
United States, except by a few Welsh and Highland emigrants.
The sheep is frequently employed in the dairy regions of this
country, at the tread-mill or horizontal wheel, to pump the
water, churn the milk, or perform other light domestic work.
The dignity and importance of the shepherd's vocation
have ever been conspicuous. Abel, the supposed twin-brother
of the first-born of the human race, was a "keeper of sheep;"
and from this, it may be fairly inferred, that there is no animal
which has so long been under the immediate control of
man. Abraham and his descendants, as well as most of the
ancient patriarchs, were shepherds. Job had 14,000 sheep.
It is said of Rachel, the favored mother of the Jewish race,
"she came with her father's sheep, for she kept them." The
seven daughters of the priest of Midian, "came and drew
water for their father's flocks." Moses, the statesman and lawgiver,
who "was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians,
kept the flocks of Jethro, his father-in-law;" and David, the
future monarch of Israel, the hero, poet, and divine, was a
keeper of sheep. It was to shepherds, while "abiding in the
field, keeping watch over their flocks by night," that the
birth of the Saviour was announced. The root of the Hebrew
name for sheep, signifies fruitfulness, abundance, plenty; as
indicating the blessings they were destined to confer on the
human race. With the sacred writers, they were the chosen
symbol of purity and the gentler virtues; they were the
victims of propitiatory sacrifices; and finally, they became the
type of redemption to fallen man. These may not be considered
accidental allusions in a book, whose every feature is full of
design.
Nor has the sheep been less the subject of eulogy and attention
with profane writers. Among these, Homer and
Hesiod, Virgil and Theocritus, introduced them with evident
delight in their pastoral themes; while their heroes and demigods,
Hercules and Ulysses, Æneas and Numa, carefully perpetuated
them throughout their regal domains.
In modern times, they have commanded the attention of the
most enlightened nations; and their prosperity has in no instance
been independent of those useful animals, wherever wool
and its manufactures have been regarded as essential staples.
Spain and Portugal, for more than two centuries, were the
most enterprising nations of Europe, and during that period,
they excelled in the production and manufacture of wool.
Flanders, for a time, was before England in the perfection of
the arts and the enjoyments of life, and England then sent the
little wool she raised to that country to be manufactured. Her
politic sovereigns soon found this a losing game, and offered
large bounties for the importation of artists and machinery.
By a systematic and thorough course of legislation, which
looked to the utmost protection and augmentation of wool and
woollens, she has carried their production beyond any thing
the world has ever seen. The small islands of Great Britain
and Ireland, in addition to the support of their 26,000,000 of
people, 15,000,000 of cattle, 2,250,000 horses, 18,000,000
swine, and innumerable smaller domestic animals, maintain
over 40,000,000 sheep, worth $250,000,000; and besides
manufacturing nearly all their fleeces, annually import nearly
an equal amount from abroad. The sumptuary law for burying
the dead in woollen, still occupies its place in their statute
book. And beyond all question, England is the leading power
of the nineteenth century, in the combination of all those qualities
which constitute national greatness, civilization, and
strength.
Naturalists have divided the wild sheep into four varieties.
The Musimon, (Ovis Musimon,) inhabiting Corsica, Sardinia,
and other islands of the Mediterranean, the mountainous parts
of Spain and Greece, and some other regions bordering upon
that inland sea, have been frequently domesticated and mixed
with the long-cultivated breeds.
The Argali, (O. Ammon,) ranges over the steppes, or elevated
plains of Central Asia, northward and eastward to the
ocean. They are larger, more hardy, and more untameable
than the Musimon.
The Rocky Mountain Sheep, (O. Montana,) frequently called
the Big-horn by our western hunters, is found on the prairies
west of the Mississippi, and throughout the wild mountainous
regions, extending through California and Oregon to the Pacific.
They are larger, but in other respects resemble the Argali,
of which they are probably descendants, as they could
easily cross upon the ice at Behring's Straits, from the northeastern
coast of Asia. Like the Argali, when caught young
they are easily tamed; but we are not aware that they have
ever been bred with the domestic sheep. Before the country
was overrun by the white man, they probably inhabited the
region bordering on the Mississippi. Father Hennepin, a
French Jesuit, who wrote nearly two hundred years ago, often
speaks of meeting with goats in his travels through what is
now the territory embraced by Illinois and Wisconsin. The
wild, clambering propensities of these animals, occupying the
giddy heights far beyond the reach of the traveller, and the
outer coating of hair (supplied underneath, however, with a
thick coating of soft wool) gives to them much of the appearance
of that animal. In summer they are generally found
single; but when they descend from their isolated, rocky
heights in winter, they are gregarious, marching in flocks under
the guidance of leaders.
The Bearded Sheep of Africa (O. Tragelaphus) inhabit the
mountains of Barbary and Egypt. They are covered with a
soft, reddish hair, and have a mane hanging below the neck,
and large locks of hair at the ankle.
Embraces all the varieties of the subjugated species. Whether
they have descended from any one of the wild races, is a
question yet undetermined among naturalists; but however
this may be, many of the varieties apparently differ less from
their wild namesakes than from each other.
The fat-rumped and the broad-tailed sheep are much more
extensively diffused than any other. They occupy nearly all
the southeastern part of Europe, Western and Central Asia,
and Northern Africa. They are supposed to be the varieties
which were propagated by the patriarchs and their descendants,
the Jewish race. This is inferred from various passages
in the Pentateuch, Exodus xxix. 22; Leviticus iii. 9; viii. 25;
ix. 19, and some others, where "the fat and the rump" are
spoken of in connection with offerings, in which the fat was
always an acceptable ingredient. Dr. Boothroyd renders one
of the foregoing passages, "the large, fat tail entire, taken
clear to the rump." It is certain this variety gives indisputable
evidence of remote and continued subjugation. Their
long, pendent, drowsy ears, and the highly artificial posterior
developments, are characteristic of no wild or recently-domesticated
race.
This breed consists of numerous sub-varieties, differing in
all their characteristics of size, fleece, color, &c., with quite as
many and marked shades of distinction as the modern European
varieties. In Madagascar, they are covered with hair;
in the south of Africa, with coarse wool; in the Levant, and
along the Mediterranean, the wool is comparatively fine; and
from that of the fat-rumped sheep of Thibet the exquisite
Cashmere shawls are manufactured. Both rams and ewes are
sometimes bred with horns, and sometimes without, and they
exhibit a great diversity of color. Some yield a carcass of
scarcely 30 lbs., while others have weighed 200 lbs. dressed.
The tail or rump varies greatly, according to the purity and
style of breeding; some are less than one-eighth, while others
exceed one-third the entire dressed weight. The fat of the
rump or tail is considered a great delicacy, and in hot climates
resembles oil, and in colder, suet.
The broad-tailed sheep were brought into this country,
about 50 years since, by Commodore Barron and Judge Peters,
and bred with the native flocks. They were called the
Tunisian mountain sheep. Some of them were subsequently
distributed by Col. Pickering, of Massachusetts, among the
farmers of Pennsylvania; and their mixed descendants were
highly prized as prolific and good nurses, coming early to
maturity, attaining large weights, of a superior quality of carcass,
and yielding a heavy fleece of excellent wool. The principal
objection brought against them, was the difficulty of
propagation, which always required the assistance of the shepherd.
The lambs were dropped white, red, tawny, bluish, or
black; but all excepting the black, grew white as they approached
maturity, retaining some spots of the original color
on the cheeks and legs, and sometimes having the entire head
tawny or black. The few which descended from those originally
imported into this country, have become blended with
American flocks, and are now scarcely distinguishable from
them.
Strictly speaking, there are no sheep indigenous to North
America, excepting the Ovis Montana, or Rocky Mountain
sheep. Before the introduction of the improved European
breeds, during the present century, our sheep were generally a
hardy, long-legged, coarse, open-fleeced animal, which yielded,
according to attention and feed, from 1½ to 4 lbs. of indifferent
wool. We have seen numerous flocks within the last 20
years, of the pure-bred native, whose bellies were entirely
destitute of wool, and sometimes the whole carcass was bare,
excepting a mere strip or ridge like a mane, reaching from the
head to the tail. The wool which was retained on the neck,
back, and sides, was frequently matted almost as firmly as a
leather apron; and that on the thighs, and sometimes on the
sides, was often composed almost wholly of long hair.
Although indifferently formed in comparison with the best
breeds of the present day, being thin in the breast and back,
light quartered, and slow in coming to maturity, they yet possessed
some good qualities. They were prolific, excellent
nurses, tallowed well, and yielded good mutton. There were,
occasionally, some smutty-nosed or brockle-faced sheep among
them, distinguished by their additional size, superior merits,
and courage. These were usually the leaders of the flock, in
their marauding expeditions on their neighbor's domains; and
in common with the others, they were eminently adapted to
purvey for themselves on the frontier settlements. There
were, besides, some black or dark chocolate-brown members
in every flock, which were much valued by the thrifty housewife
for their wool, which afforded an economical mixture for
jackets, hose, and trousers, known as sheep's gray.
Our original stock were principally derived from England,
where their counterparts may be seen at the present day, in
the refuse breeds of that country. When these sheep were
well selected and properly bred, there was rapid and satisfactory
improvement, and from such flocks, mixed with some of
the more recently improved varieties, have sprung many valuable
animals.
There was but one exception to this general character of
the native flocks, so far as our observation extended, which
was a considerably numerous, and, probably, accidental variety,
known as the Otter breed, or Creepers. These were an excessively
duck-legged animal, with well-formed bodies, full
chest, broad backs, yielding a close heavy fleece of medium
quality of wool. They were deserved favorites where indifferent
stone or wood fences existed, as their power of locomotion
was absolutely limited to their enclosures, if protected by
a fence not less than two feet high. The quality of their
mutton was equal, while their aptitude to fatten was decidedly
superior to their longer-legged contemporaries. They are
probably now nearly or quite extinct.
An excellent variety was produced by General Washington,
from a cross of a Persian ram, upon the Bakewell, which bore
wool 14 inches in length, soft and silky, and admirably suited
to combing. They were called the Arlington sheep, but they
have long since become incorporated with the other flocks of
the country.
This is undoubtedly one of the most ancient race of sheep
extant. The loose descriptions and indefinite generalities of
the ancient writers, leave much to conjecture on this point;
yet we have a few passages from Pliny, Columella, and some
other Roman authors, which leave little doubt that the Merino
was bred in their age, and had even been introduced into
Italy from Greece. It is a matter of history, that the Greeks
had choice breeds of sheep at an early day, which they
might have derived from Egypt, Tyre, and Asia Minor, as
they were intimately connected in commerce with those countries,
where the woollen manufacture early reached great perfection.
It is supposed that the celebrated Argonautic expedition,
in quest of the golden fleece, undertaken by the
Greeks nearly 1300 years before Christ, resulted in procuring
a valuable race of sheep from Colchis, in the Euxine.
However this may be, it is certain that when Augustus extended
his peaceful sceptre over half the known world, the
Romans were in possession of some flocks, bearing fleeces of
exceeding fineness and beauty. They had been reared in the
province of Apulia, on the southeast coast of Italy, and
were called Tarentine, from Tarentum, the capital of the
province. Here, then, may have been one branch of the
Merino family.
Another is undoubtedly described by Pliny, who says, "the
red fleece of Bætica was of still superior quality, and had no
fellow." All the Spanish coast on the Mediterranean, of
which Bætica formed a considerable part, comprising the
modern Spanish provinces of Jaen, Cordova, Seville, Andalusia,
and Granada, was early colonized by the enterprising
Greeks; and this red fleece that had no fellow, was probably
introduced by them at an early day, and by their descendants
had been carried to a still higher degree of perfection
than that of Apulia. Columella, the uncle of the writer on
agriculture, a wealthy emigrant to Spain from Italy, A. D. 30,
carried with him some of the Tarentine sheep, and thus added
to the fine-woolled sheep of Spain. These two ancient streams,
united perhaps with a third from the more ancient stock of
the Euxine, (for Strabo asserts that some of the finest-woolled
sheep were brought from that region in his time, and sold for
the enormous sum of $750,) flowed on in an uninterrupted
current over that broad country, and brought down to
modern times the unrivalled race of the Merino. The limited
region of Italy, overrun as it repeatedly was by hordes of
barbarians during and after the times of the late emperors,
soon lost her pampered flocks; while the extended regions of
Spain, intersected in every direction by almost impassable
mountains, could maintain their more hardy race, in defiance
of revolution or change.
Whatever distrust may be attached to these scraps of history,
which apparently establish the remote antiquity of the Merino,
this much is absolutely certain, that they are a race whose qualities
are inbred, to an extent surpassed by no others. They
have been improved in the general weight and evenness of their
fleece, as in the celebrated flock of Rambouillet; in the uniformity
and excessive fineness of fibre, as in the Saxons; and in
their form and feeding qualities, in various countries; but
there has never yet been deterioration either in quantity or
quality of fleece or carcass, wherever transported, if supplied
with suitable food and attention. Most sheep annually shed
their wool if unclipped; while the Merino retains its fleece,
sometimes for five years, when allowed to remain unshorn.
This we conceive affords conclusive evidence of long-continued
breeding among themselves, by which the very constitution
of the wool-producing organs beneath the skin have
become permanently established; and this property is transmitted
to a great extent even among the crosses, thus marking
them as an ancient and peculiar race.
The conquest by the Moors of a part of those fine provinces
in the south of Spain, so far from checking, served
rather to encourage the production of fine wool. They were
not only enterprising, but highly skilled in the useful arts,
and carried on extensive manufactories of fine woollen goods,
which they exported to different countries. After their expulsion
in the 15th century, by Ferdinand and Isabella, the
Spaniards preserved these manufactures in part, and sedulously
cherished their fine flocks; and knowing the incomparible
advantage they had in them, their sovereigns, except in
a few isolated instances, strictly prohibited their exportation.
History asserts that Henry VIII. of England, by permission
of Charles V., imported 3,000 Spanish sheep; but of what
kind is not mentioned, they having numerous varieties in
Spain. If of the true Merino, it will explain the superior
quality of the English middle-wools, the Ryeland, South
Downs, and some others.
The first well-authenticated exportation of the Spanish
Merino, was made to Sweden in 1723, by Alstroemer, which
solved the problem of their capacity for sustaining their
character, on rough fare and in a high northern latitude.
Lasteyrie, who wrote fifty years after the experiment had
been tried, speaks of their improvement, both in carcass and
the quality and quantity of fleece.
The next exportation was made to Saxony, in 1765, and
consisted of 105 rams and 114 ewes, but from what flocks
they were taken, history nowhere mentions. A second exportation
to that country was made in 1778, of 110 that
were variously selected, from the best flocks in Spain. From
these have descended the high-bred, silken-fleeced Saxons,
whose wool stands confessedly without a rival.
In 1775, the Empress Maria Theresa imported 300 Merinoes
into Germany, and placed them on the imperial farm in Hungary.
In 1786, an importation was made into Denmark and
her provinces; and again, in 1797, another flock of 300 was
brought into the kingdom, and placed at Esserum, about eight
leagues from Copenhagen. In 1786, 100 rams and 200 ewes
were imported into Prussia, most of which were allowed to
perish from neglect and disease; but their places were fully
made up by later importations. The same year, 400 ewes
and rams were selected from the choicest Spanish flocks, and
placed on the royal farm of Rambouillet, in France, which
laid the foundation of the celebrated flock which bears that
name.
A small flock of inferior animals was clandestinely procured
by George III., of England, in 1788, which attracted little
attention. In 1791, a small but choice flock was presented
to that monarch by the Cortes of Spain, which soon acquired
high favor among many intelligent breeders. A part of these
were kept pure, and their descendants furnished the superb
flock of 700 Nigrettis, which procured for their owner, Mr.
Trimmer, in 1829, the gold medal from the London Society
of Arts. Others were mixed with different flocks in the kingdom,
to the evident improvement of their fleeces.
Which resulted in the propagation of a pure breed,[2] was
made by Chancellor Livingston, then minister at the court of
Versailles, who sent two choice rams and ewes from the Rambouillet
flock, in 1802, to Claremont, his country seat on the
Hudson. In the latter part of the same year, Col. Humphreys,
our minister in Spain, sent out nearly one hundred Merinoes,
which were followed by more numerous flocks from the same
and other sources. The largest importations of the Merino,
however, were made through Mr. Jarvis of Vermont, in 1809,
then U. S. Consul in Spain, and immediately thereafter. He
first shipped, as he states, "200 Escurial, afterwards 1400
Paulars, 1700 Aqueirres, 100 Nigrettis, and about 200 Montarcos.
2700 Montarcos were sent out by a Spaniard and a
Portuguese, and about 300 Guadaloupes by others; also 200
to 300 Paulars, by Gen. Downie, to Boston. Of the Montarco
flock shipped by others, about 2500 came to Boston, Providence,
New York, and other ports. All were imported in the
latter part of 1809 and '10, and early in 1811, and were the
only Leonese Transhumantes, if we include Humphreys' and
Livingston's, (which I have no doubt were of the same stock,)
that were ever shipped to the United States."
Fig. 20 is a spirited cut of a variety of the Merino without
dewlap, and with a long and somewhat open fleece.
Fig. 20.
Merino Buck.
Besides several other breeds of sheep in Spain, consisting of
long, coarse wool, and that of a medium staple, embraced
under the different names of Chorinoes, Choaroes or Chunahs,
the Merino is distinguished by two general divisions; the
Transhumantes or travelling, and the Estantes or stationary
flocks. The former are subdivided, according to the Provinces
they occupy, into Leonese, Segovian, and Sorian. Many of
the Estantes were of the best quality in respect to carcass,
constitution, and fleece; and such as were highly bred and in
the hands of intelligent breeders, were not surpassed by any
of the Spanish flocks. There were also many choice sheep
among the Segovian and Sorian Transhumantes, but in general
they were decidedly inferior to those of Leon. These
last were universally regarded as the prime flocks of Spain.
They comprised the Escurial, the Paular, the Nigretti, the
Aqueirres or Muros, the Montarco, the Guadaloupe, Infantado,
and some others.
There is much contradictory testimony as to the comparative
merits of the last-mentioned flocks, as they were found in Spain;
which is owing in part, doubtless, to the difference in the
specimens subjected to examination. We subjoin some of the
most reliable authorities on this subject.
M. Lasteyrie, who investigated this matter closely, says,
"The Guadaloupe have the most perfect form, and are likewise
celebrated for the quantity and quality of their wool. The
Paular bear much wool of a fine quality, but they have a more
evident enlargement behind the ears, and a greater degree of
throatiness, and the lambs have a coarse hairy appearance,
which is succeeded by excellent wool. The lambs of the Infantado
have the same hairy coat when young. The Nigretti
are the largest and strongest of all the travelling sheep in
Spain."
Mr. Livingston says, "The Escurial is the most perfect of all
the travelling flocks in Spain; the Guadaloupe for form, fineness
and abundance of the fleece; the Paular with similar
fleeces are larger bodied. Those of Castile and Leon have the
largest, with the finest coat. Those of Soria are small, with
very fine wool; and those also of Valencia, which do not
travel, and like the last have fine wool, but of a very short
staple."
Mr. Jarvis, who spent many years in Spain, under every
advantage for studying them closely, and who also imported,
and has since bred large numbers of them on his estate in Vermont,
gives their characteristics with more particularity, and
at much greater length: "The Paulars were undoubtedly one
of the handsomest flocks in Spain. They were of middling
height, round-bodied, well spread, straight on the back, the
neck of the bucks rising in a moderate curve from the withers
to the setting on of the head, their head handsome, with aquiline
curve of the nose, with short, fine, glossy hair on the face,
and generally hair on the legs, the skin pretty smooth, that is,
not rolling up or doubling about the neck and body, as in
some other flocks; the crimp in the wool was not so short as
in many other flocks, the wool was somewhat longer, but it
was close and compact, and was soft and silky to the touch,
and the surface was not so much covered with gum. This
flock was originally owned by the Carthusian friars of Paular,
who were the best agriculturists in Spain, and was sold by
that order to the Prince of Peace when he came into power.
The Nigretti flock were the tallest Merinoes in Spain, but
were not handsomely formed, being rather flat-sided, roach-back,
and the neck inclining to sink down from the withers;
the wool was somewhat shorter than the Paular, and more
crimped; the skin was more loose and inclined to double, and
many of them were woolled on their faces and legs down to
their hoofs. All the loose-skinned sheep had large dewlaps.
The Aqueirres were short-legged, round, broad-bodied, with
loose skins, and were more woolled about their faces and legs
than any other flock I ever saw; the wool was more crimped
than the Paular, and less than the Nigretti, but was thick and
soft. This flock formerly belonged to the Moors of Spain,
and at their expulsion was bought by the family of Aqueirres.
The wool in England was known as the Muros flock, and was
highly esteemed. All the bucks of these three flocks had
large horns.
The Escurials were about as tall as the Paulars, but not
quite so round and broad, being in general rather more slight
in their make; their wool was crimped, but not quite so thick
as the Paular or Nigretti, nor were their skins so loose as the
Nigretti and Aqueirres, nor had they so much wool on the
face and legs.
The Montarco bore a considerable resemblance to the Escurials.
The Escurial flock had formerly belonged to the crown,
but when Philip II. built the Escurial palace, he gave them
to the friars, whom he placed in a convent that was attached
to the palace, as a source of revenue. These four flocks were
moderately gummed.
The Guadaloupe flock was rather larger in the bone than
the two preceding, about the same height; but not quite so
handsomely formed; their wool was thick and crimped, their
skins loose and doubling, their faces and legs not materially
different from the two latter flocks, but in general they were
more gummed than either of the other flocks. In point of
fineness, there was very little difference between these six
flocks; and as I have been told by well-informed persons, there
is very little difference in this respect among the Leonese Transhumantes
in general. The Escurials, the Montarcos, and the
Guadaloupes, were not, in general, so heavy-horned as the
other three flocks, and about one in six of the bucks were
without horns."
We have before seen, is one of the varieties of the pure-bred
Merino, the foundation of which was laid by an importation of
some of the choicest animals into Saxony, in 1765. The great
care and attention bestowed upon these sheep by the Elector,
the nobility, and the most intelligent farmers, soon carried them
to a point of uniformity and excellence of fleece, never exceeded
by the best of the original flocks. The breeders were selected
with almost exclusive reference to the quality of the
fleece. Great care was taken to prevent exposure throughout
the year, and they were housed on every slight emergency.
The consequence of this course of breeding and treatment has
been to reduce the size and weight of fleece, and partially to
impair that hardiness and vigor of constitution, which universally
characterized the original Transhumantes. In numerous
instances, this management resulted in permanent injury to the
character of their flocks, which America has severely felt in
several importations of worthless animals, and which a too great
eagerness for improvement induced her flockmasters to use with
the Spanish Merinoes and their descendants, as a means for
this object, but which has resulted in the introduction of fatal
diseases and serious deterioration in their flocks.
Fig. 21.
Saxon Ram.
Was made in 1823, of four good rams, two of which went
to Boston and the others to Philadelphia. The next was made
the following year, and consisted of 75 rams and ewes, which
were brought to Boston, and sold at public auction, and were
afterwards scattered over the country. Another lot of 180
followed the next year, to the same place, and was sold in the
same manner, but at an increased price, some selling as high
as $450 each.
These prices excited the spirit of speculation, and the following
year witnessed the importation of near 3,000, many of
which were decidedly inferior. These were all thrown upon
the market for the most they would command; and in many
instances, the sales not half covering the cost of importation,
the enterprise was abandoned as a speculation, or commercial
operation.
The late Henry D. Grove, of Hoosic, New York, a native of
Germany, and a highly intelligent and thoroughly bred shepherd,
accompanied some of the best early importations to this
country. He selected 105 choice animals for his own breeding,
which he imported in 1827, and 70 more equally good, in
1828, and with these he formed the flock from which he bred
to the time of his decease, in 1844.
The average weight of fleece from the entire flock of Mr.
Grove, nearly all of which were ewes and lambs, as stated by
him to the writer, in 1842, was 2 lbs. 14 ounces, thoroughly
washed on the sheep's back. This was realized after a short
summer and winter's keep, when the quantity of hay or its
equivalent fed to the sheep did not exceed by actual weight
1½ lbs. per day, except to the ewes, which received an additional
quantity just before and after lambing. This treatment
was attended with no disease or loss by death, and with an
increase of lambs, equalling one for every ewe.
In a flock of pure Saxony sheep owned by Mr. Smith of
Connecticut, as stated in a letter from the owner, published in
the American Shepherd, 104 ewes raised 101 lambs, and
yielded 341 lbs. of wool, which sold at 70 cents per lb. For
the 18 months preceding, he lost but three animals out of 300,
from ordinary casualties. But some flocks of pure Saxony do
not, in good condition, average 2 lbs. per head.
A recent importation, (May, 1846,) made by Mr. Taintor
of Connecticut, consisting of four bucks and four ewes, from
the celebrated Saxon flock of Baron de Spreck, show a size
and apparent vigor of constitution, equalling any of their Merino
progenitors.
Fig. 22.
Rambouillet Buck.
This flock was founded in 1786, by Louis XVI., from a selection
of 400 of the best Spanish sheep, which were placed
on the royal farm at Rambouillet. These, like the Saxon, received
all the attention which intelligence and wealth could
bestow, and the consequence was soon manifest in their larger
size, and the increased weight and uniformity in the fineness
of their fleece; the last improvement being particularly evident,
from the absence of the coarse wool, which in many
cases infested the quarters; and the jarr or hair, which frequently
abounds on the flanks, legs, and thighs of the original
Merino.
Besides the crown flocks at Rambouillet, they are found in
equal perfection on several other of the royal farms, especially
those of Malmaison, Perpignan, Arles, Clermont, and some
others. These flocks have been bred for hardy constitution,
large carcass, and heavy fleece, and of as much fineness as is
consistent with large weights, and as uniform in quality throughout,
as possible. Mr. Gilbert, who was particularly familiar
with them, says, "almost all the fleeces of the rams, from two
years old and upwards, weigh (unwashed) from 12 to 13 lbs.;
but the mean weight, taking the rams and the ewes together,
has not quite attained to 8 lbs., after deducting the tags and
the wool of the belly." The French pound is about one-twelfth
heavier than the English; but from the general custom of
folding the sheep in France, feeding them in fallows, and wintering
them in houses, the fleece becomes very dirty. The
loss in washing (fit for manufacturing) is about 60 per cent.,
so that the clean fleece of the ram will average about 6 lbs.,
and that of the whole flock something under 4 lbs.
This was in 1801, by M. Dellesert, of Paris, for M. Dupont,
then in New York, and consisted of four choice rams, only one
of which, Don Pedro, reached this country. He was used
among the native ewes near Kingston, N. Y., for three years,
and then transferred to Delaware, where he effected great improvement
among the native flocks. The second was that
made by the late Chancellor Livingston, before alluded to.
There was another in 1840, by Mr. Collins, of Connecticut,
comprising 30 select ewes and 2 rams. All these sheep possessed
the characteristics peculiar to the variety as described.
A still more recent importation has been made by Mr. Taintor,
at the same time with that of the Saxons previously mentioned,
consisting of 23 ewes and 3 bucks, variously selected
from the choicest flocks of the descendants of the Spanish
Merino. The rams, though young, are the most promising
animals of their breed, and when full grown, will weigh from
225 to 250 lbs. each. The sire of one was sold the past season
for $500. He sheared 23 lbs. of unwashed wool. The ewes
measured after they were shorn, from 25½ to 29 inches in
height over the withers. The height of the under side of
their bodies from the ground, was from 9½ to 12 inches, which
is in the proportion of good American Merino sheep. Their
weights varied, after shearing, from 124 to 153 lbs. Some of
them were quite thin in flesh, the largest especially, which, if
in fine condition with her fleece on, would weigh at least 200
lbs. The following is the weight of their fleeces unwashed.
The scales used did not mark less than one-quarter of a
pound, which will account for the absence of odd ounces.
| No. | 17 | 13 | lbs. |
| " | 27 | 15 | " |
| " | 64 | 16¾ | " |
| " | 71 | 14½ | " |
| " | 84 | 16½ | " |
| " | 87 | 16¼ | " |
| " | 94 | 17 | " |
| " | 100 | 12¼ | " |
| " | 109 | 17 | " |
| " | 110 | 17 | " |
| " | 117 | 16¾ | " |
| " | 118 | 15¾ | " |
| " | 133 | 14¾ | " |
| " | 195 | 13½ | " |
It was the unbiased opinion of several wool-dealers present,
that the shearing above would yield at least 35 lbs. of
cleansed wool, fitted for manufacturing without further loss,
out of every 100 lbs. shorn. The fourteen ewes yielded 216
lbs. unwashed, which would be equivalent to 75 lbs. 10
oz. thoroughly cleansed, or an average of 5 lbs. 6 oz. per
head. One-third may be safely added to bring this up to
clean washed. This would make the average, as wool-growers
usually dispose of their fleeces, 7 lbs. 3 oz. per head, a
yield totally unprecedented in this country.
Though reaching back but half a century, the Merino flocks
of this country have been very fluctuating as to their value,
increase, and improvement. When first introduced, they
were viewed with distrust by the majority of our farmers;
and it was not till after several years' experience of their paramount
merits, that they were generally disseminated. But
the confidence of our flock-masters having once been secured,
it has never been withdrawn, and they have ever since
been cherished favorites. The prices for choice Merinoes
rapidly increased after their character was fully established,
and Livingston states the average price for rams, in 1811, at
$1,000, and some were sold at a much higher rate.
This was the period of the embargo, when our infant
manufactures were just starting into life; and being followed
by war with the greatest commercial nation of the world,
we were thrown entirely on our own resources for the supply
of our woollen and other fabrics, and wool and sheep
maintained their full value till after the return of peace, in 1816.
The flooding of our country with foreign goods, under low
duties, which succeeded this event, either broke down or
effectually paralyzed our woollen manufactures; and wool, of
course, felt the full weight of this crushing influence. The
Merino rapidly declined in value, till its price nearly approximated
to that of the native sheep. Their merits had,
however, become so conspicuous, that the low prices produced
a more general diffusion, and they and their crosses
were thus sown broadcast over the country.
The introduction of the Saxons, in great numbers, in 1826,
many of which were excessively diminutive and diseased, and
their indiscriminate use with our pure-bred Merinoes, was a
serious interruption to the career of improvement in many of
our flocks. Their mixture with the best Saxons was no
further detrimental, than to reduce the quantity of fleece, and,
to a certain extent, lessen the peculiar hardiness of the
original Transhumantes, which had been fully preserved by
their descendants in this country. The use of well-selected
Saxon rams with Merino flocks, was extensively practised, and
it is still persisted in by many intelligent flock-masters, after
twenty years' experience, who are satisfied that they find
it for their interest to continue this style of breeding. The
animals being smaller, consume less; and they probably produce
a quantity of wool in proportion to their food, which,
from its improved and uniform quality, commands a higher
price in the market. Wherever they are not sufficiently
hardy, they can be bred back towards the Spanish Merino
standard, by the use of some of the stouter rams. Their
natures are intrinsically the same. They are only divergent
streams from the same original fountain, and when again
united, they readily coalesce and flow onwards, without violence
or disorder.
The Merino, as might reasonably have been anticipated,
when properly managed, has improved from a variety of
causes. Though kept scrupulously pure in Spain, they were
seldom bred with that refinement of taste or nice judgment,
which distinguishes the accomplished modern breeder. Their
management was too entirely intrusted to ignorant shepherds
or careless agents, to secure that close attention which is essential
to improvement. The sheep had to perform a journey
of several hundred miles twice in a year, to and from their
distant Sierras; and it was absolutely essential that strong
animals should be selected for breeding; and to secure this
object, those were frequently used which were deficient in
the most profitable qualities. They were also closely bred
in-and-in, seldom or never departing from a particular flock
to procure a fresh cross. Their wild, nomadic life, approaching
nearly to that of their natural state, and their peculiarly
healthful pasturage, alone prevented a serious deterioration
from this cause.
When brought into the United States, the flocks were soon
mingled with each other, and for many years past, probably,
not an unmixed descendant of any distinct original flock could
be traced. Abundance of appropriate food has been given
them, without the labor of long and fatiguing journeys; and
lastly, there has been much care used in the selection of the
most profitable animals for breed. The spirit of improvement
has been recently awakened to this important branch of
American husbandry, and as we already have all the elements
within ourselves for its attainment, if not arrested by any untoward
national policy, it will soon result in giving us numerous
flocks of as choice sheep as the world affords.
The prominent peculiarities of the Merino, are the abundance
and fineness of its fleece; the tenacity with which it is held;
its crimped or spiral form; its felting properties; and the excessive
quantity of yolk, giving to it that softness which distinguishes
it from all others. Their large horns are common
to several other varieties. Their hoofs are sometimes singularly
long, reaching 8 or 10 inches when allowed to grow. The
horns, hoofs, and wool scarcely differ in their chemical constituents;
and the peculiar development of the two former, is
justly considered as an additional evidence of their wool-bearing
properties.
The yolk, in most of the sheep, forms, with the dust which
adheres to it, a firm crust on the exterior, and together with
the compactness of the fleece, it offers considerable resistance
to the open hand on being pressed, giving the impression of
rigidity. This outer covering repels the rain, the snow, and
the wind like a coat of mail, thus fitting the Merino to endure
exposure beyond any other sheep. On opening the crust,
the wool is found of a brilliant, golden hue, sparkling with
yolk, and firmly held together in masses, hardly distinguishable
from the cocoon of the silk-worm. The wool closely
covers every part of the body, and frequently the entire legs
and head, excepting a part of the face. Still another peculiarity
of the Merino is its longevity. They attain a great age
when properly managed, and, in healthy localities, sometimes
breed till 20 years of age.
The Merino may be described, generally, as a small-boned,
closely made, medium-sized sheep, varying from 80 lbs. of
live weight, for a small ewe, to 160 lbs. for good-sized wethers
and rams, in ordinary condition. They are light in the shoulders
and chest, and altogether are more deficient in form than the
best mutton sheep. This apparent difference is materially
lessened when both are denuded of their fleece; as the longer
pile of the latter covers defects, which would manifest themselves
under the closer covering of the Merino. Yet, with
this seeming deficiency, Young found, in feeding the Merino
and Bakewell, that the latter ate the most, and gained the
least, in the ratio of two to three. We give the statement as
we find it, though it apparently contravenes a fundamental
principle, which a knowledge of all the circumstances of the
trial, the peculiarities of the particular animals, &c., might
probably explain satisfactorily.
The mutton is excellent, and it is probably not surpassed by
that of any other sheep. Lord Somerville claims it as a rule,
that the quality of the flesh in each class of sheep follows
that of the wool, and that the flesh of the short and fine-woolled
sheep is closer in the grain and more highly flavored
than the long-woolled. Sir Joseph Banks says, the London
butchers, after having some of the Merinoes, eagerly sought for
more, from its popularity with their best customers; and it is
certain that the flavor of our mountain-fed Merino does not
suffer in comparison with the choicest breeds.
The general principles of breeding cattle and sheep, as laid
down by the most approved authorities, must be taken with
some exceptions, when applied to the Merino. Good form
and feeding qualities are desirable in this breed, but they are
not as essential as with the others. Wool is the great object,
and if this be sufficiently fine, even, and abundant, something
may be abated in the perfection of form. Early maturity, so
much sought after in the mutton sheep, cannot be reconciled
with the great longevity, and the prolonged productive powers
of the Merino. We must content ourselves, therefore, with
slowly engrafting such improvements on the breed, as can be
effected without prejudice to his other good qualities, and look
to his crosses with others for such qualities as are irreconcilable
with his nature.
It is considered indispensable to the improvement of the
Merino, that it be not bred too young. A vigorous ewe may
bring her first lamb at two years old, but it is better that it be
deferred till three. The ram should never be used till his
second year, and then but sparingly. From 2½ to 6 years
old is deemed the most vigorous age, though many may be
safely used till 8 or 10, and occasionally later. Both ewes
and rams have been known to breed till 20 years old.
The ram should be large, stout, and well made, carrying
his weight as compactly as possible. The nose should be
convex; the face covered with a soft velvety hair; the eye
lively and prominent; the veins near the lachrymal glands, of a
clear red; the horns rough; short neck; pendent dewlap not
objectionable; full chest; broad shoulders; broad, level back;
large quarters; tail large and well set up; good legs, and
sound hoofs; with a firm, easy, regular gait; the head
carried high, with a look of boldness and decision, without in
any degree approaching to wildness or ferocity.
The ewe should possess these characteristics generally, with
such modifications as are suited to the sex. Great care should
be taken to breed from such as are most perfect in all the
essential points of constitution, form, and size; and weight,
uniformity, and fineness of fleece. The closest observation is
requisite, to select the best in all respects.
In-and-in breeding should be avoided where practicable,
which can be done where there is a careful registry of the
sheep through successive generations. Excessive use of rams
can never be permitted without decided injury to them and
their progeny. In Spain, four rams are supplied to every
hundred ewes. This limited number is proper enough, where
they undergo so much fatigue in travelling, and kept too, as
they are, entirely on grass. But if moderately grained before
and during their use, and especially if kept up, and allowed to
serve the ewes once only, as they come in heat, this number
may be largely increased. A vigorous ram will suffice for 35
to 40 ewes, when running with the flock; yet his powers would
not be more taxed by double or even treble this number, if
admitted to each but once. Bread is a convenient food for
the ram while running with the sheep. If he is gentle, which
he should always be, he will come up readily and eat from the
hand, without exciting the attention of the other sheep, which
crowd, and not unfrequently injure each other when grain is
placed before him; or he may be stabled at night and fed
with grain.
If young ewes have stolen lambs, they should be taken
away immediately after yeaning, and the nourishment supplied
to the lamb from the milk of a cow. The tax of nursing is
nearly equal to that of gestation, and farther injury to the dam
may be avoided by this practice. Merino ewes have had the
reputation of being indifferent nurses in Spain. This is owing
to their fatigue in travelling, and scanty pasturage, rather than
to any constitutional deficiency. It is a frequent practice
there, to kill a part of the lambs, and put one on to two ewes.
This has never been found necessary in the countries where
they have been transplanted, as generous feed for the dams
has invariably been found entirely adequate to their support
of the young.
The localities in which Merino Sheep can be profitably kept in
the United States,
Are wherever the pastures are sweet and dry; the climate
not excessively hot; and the land not too valuable for other
purposes. Wool is generally the great object in the sheep
husbandry of this country, and when sheep farms are remote
from the large markets, the Merino will make much the most
profitable returns. In the neighborhood of cities, where large
and fat sheep and early lambs bear a high price, the mutton
sheep may be substituted.
This valuable sheep has been known and bred for a long
time on the chalky downs of England, where it has always
maintained the character of a hardy animal, yielding a medium
quality of wool, and furnishing mutton of a superior flavor.
It was not, however, till within the last 70 years, that any
considerable attention was devoted to its improvement. Since
that period, its fine points have been remarkably developed,
which is shown in its improved size and form, and its early
maturity and productiveness. The late Mr. John Ellman, of
England, was the first who took them thoroughly in hand; and
so eminent was his success, that he founded a flock which has
been the source whence all the best blood has been since
derived.
Fig. 23.
South Down Buck.
His criteria of a good South Down, are as follows:—"The
head small and hornless; the face speckled or gray, and neither
too long nor too short. The lips thin, and the space
between the nose and the eyes narrow. The under jaw, or
chap, fine and thin; the ears tolerably wide, and well covered
with wool, and the forehead also, and the whole space between
the ears well protected by it, as a defence against the fly.
The eye full and bright, but not prominent. The orbits of the
eye—the eye-cap, or bone,—not too projecting, that it may
not form a fatal obstacle in lambing. The neck of a medium
length, thin towards the head, but enlarging towards the
shoulders, where it should be broad and high, and straight in
its whole course above and below. The breast should be wide,
deep, and projecting forwards between the fore-legs, indicating
a good constitution, and a disposition to thrive. Corresponding
with this, the shoulders should be on a level with the back,
and not too wide above; they should bow outward from the
top to the breast, indicating a springing rib beneath, and
leaving room for it. The ribs coming out horizontally from
the spine, and extending far backward, and the last rib projecting
more than the others; the back flat from the shoulders
to the setting on of the tail; the loin broad and flat; the rump
long and broad, and the tail set on high and nearly on a level
with the spine. The hips wide; the space between them and
the last rib on either side as narrow as possible, and the ribs,
generally, presenting a circular form like a barrel. The belly
as straight as the back. The legs neither too long nor too
short. The fore-legs straight from the breast to the foot; not
bending inward at the knee, and standing far apart both before
and behind; the hocks having a direction rather outward, and
the twist, or the meeting of the thighs behind, being particularly
full; the bones fine, yet having no appearance of weakness,
and of a speckled or dark color. The belly well defended
with wool, and the wool coming down before and behind to
the knee, and to the hock; the wool short, close, curled, and
fine, and free from spiry projecting fibres."
Fig. 24.
South Down Ewe.
Other breeders have commenced where Ellman left off, and
have apparently pushed their improvement to its utmost capacity;
and especially has this been done by Messrs. Grantham
and Webb, the latter of whom, while preserving all the essential
merits of the sheep, has carried the live weight of
breeding rams to 250 lbs., and well-fattened wethers to 200
lbs. dressed weight. Many of the choicest animals have been
imported into this country, and they are now to be found, in
limited numbers, in almost every state of the Union.
The wool was formerly short, and used only for cloths, flannels,
&c. It has been considerably lengthened in many of the
late flocks, and with the improvements in the combing machinery,
is now much used in England as a combing wool.
The quantity produced is nearly equal to that of the Merino
flocks when well kept, varying, according to the size and style
of breeding, from 3 to 4 lbs. of clean washed wool, which in
quality does not differ materially from half-blood Merino, and
sometimes rather exceeds it. The larger animals, of course,
produce fleeces of much greater weight, sometimes reaching
to 8 or 9 lbs. The South Down will subsist on short pasture,
but well repays full feeding. It attains early maturity, is hardy
and prolific, frequently producing two at a birth. Like all
highly-improved English breeds, it is not a long-lived sheep.
It may be considered in its prime at three. The wethers may
be fattened at 18 to 30 months, and the ewes at 3 to 5 years,
when first required as breeders. The last are sometimes allowed
to come in with a lamb at a year, but they cannot be
sustained in vigor if put to breeding before two.
Is thus described by Blacklock: "They have a bare head,
with a long jaw and white face, but no horns. Sometimes
they have a shade of gray upon the nose, approaching to dark
at the tip; at others, a tinge of lemon color on the face, but
these markings scarcely affect their value. The legs are clean,
long, and small-boned, and covered with wool to the hough,
but there is a sad want of depth at the breast, and of breadth
both there and on the chine. A fat carcass weighs from 12
lbs. to 18 lbs. per quarter, and a medium fleece about 3 lbs.
The purest specimens of this breed are to be found on the
Scotch side of the Cheviot hills, and on the high and stony
mountain farms which lie between that range and the sources
of the Teviot. These sheep are a capital mountain stock, provided
the pasture resembles the Cheviot hills, in containing a
good proportion of rich herbage."
They are eminently adapted to high lands and a severe climate,
though less so than the Black-faced or Heath sheep of
Scotland. They have become an American sheep, by their
repeated introduction into this country. A late importation
of several choice sheep was made by Mr. Carmichael of New
York. The wool on these is from 5 to 7 inches long, coarse,
but well suited to combing. Like the Downs, it has heretofore
been classed among the middle-wools, but these specimens
would seem to indicate that they are verging towards the long-wools.
Possess several qualities in common, and it is only a practiced
eye that can readily detect the difference. This resemblance
arises from a recent, common origin. They are all
large and hornless; of a pure white; with long, coarse, and
heavy fleeces; excellent mutton sheep; coming early to maturity,
and capable of carrying enormous quantities of fat.
There have been from time immemorial numerous flocks of
these large, coarse-woolled sheep, existing in certain parts of
England, under a variety of names, and partaking of some
slight peculiarity of features, according to the district in which
they are bred. Thus, besides those above-mentioned, there
were the Teeswater, the Romney-Marsh, the Kentish, the
Bampton, the Exmoor, &c., all of which were deficient in form,
slow-feeders, and late in coming to maturity.
The late Robert Bakewell first commenced a decided improvement
with the Leicesters, nearly a century since. He
began by selecting the choicest sheep in England, which possessed
the essential qualities; and by judicious feeding and
management throughout, he soon brought them up to a character
widely differing from the original with which he started.
So eminent was his success, that in 1787 he let three rams,
for a single season, for 1250 pounds, (about $6,200,) and was
offered 1050 pounds (about $5,200) for 20 ewes. Soon after
this, he received the enormous price of 800 guineas, or $4,000,
for the use of two-thirds of a ram for one season, reserving the
other third for himself.
Fig. 25.
Long-wool Buck.
He reduced the bone and offal or worthless parts of the carcass,
and increased the weight of the valuable parts, and especially
their tendency to fatten and early maturity. This
was effected mainly by a nice discrimination, which has probably
never been surpassed, if it has ever been equalled. He
selected medium sizes for the breed, with as much evenness
and perfection of form as possible, for he found that excellence
and profitable feeding qualities were seldom connected with
extra size, large bones, or imperfect form. He also observed
the disposition to fatten in individuals, and used only such as
were conspicuous in this respect. He relied more than all
upon their quality of handling well, depending even more upon
the elastic, mellow touch, than upon the most symmetrical
figure. He used only the choicest rams, a little under size,
while the ewes were of full medium weight. The progeny
were pushed with a full supply of nutritious food, and systematically
brought to early maturity.
Connected with this, was his practice of in-and-in breeding,
or breeding the parent upon the progeny, for several successive
generations, which had the tendency still further to refine
the bone and offal, and impress most effectually the desirable
characteristics of the race. It is even credibly asserted, that
he produced rot in such of his fattening sheep as he wished
to mature early for the shambles, as in the first stages of that
loathsome disease the fat-secreting organs accomplish their
office more rapidly than in a state of perfect health; and it at
least secured them against breeding when they left his own
hands. It is certain, that Bakewell carried his refining system
to such an extent, as partially to destroy the procreative
powers; and he was subsequently obliged to introduce new
animals, to reinvigorate and continue his flock.
The general system of Bakewell, however, was attended
with complete success. He produced a race of animals, not
only far beyond what England had ever before seen, but
which, in all the qualities he endeavored to establish, have not
been since exceeded; and his improved Leicesters have come
down to the present day as perfect as he left them, showing
conclusively, that he not only formed, but stamped the peculiarities
of the breed, with a permanence which yet bears
witness to his genius. One of these attained the enormous
live weight of 368 lbs., and dressed 248 lbs.
Other breeders were not slow in following in Bakewell's
footsteps with different breeds, and the Cotswold and Lincolnshire
especially, have become the subjects of an equally decided
improvement, while the errors of Bakewell were entirely
avoided. They possess a rather more desirable robustness,
approaching, in some few specimens, almost to coarseness, as
compared with the finest Leicesters; but they are more hardy
and less liable to disease. They attain as large a size, and
yield as great an amount of wool, of about the same value.
These breeds scarcely differ more from each other, than do
flocks of a similar variety, which have been separately bred
for several generations. They are prolific, and when well fed,
the ewes will frequently produce two lambs at a birth, for
which they provide liberally from their udder till the time for
weaning. The weight of the fleece varies from 4 to 8 lbs. per
head.
The striking peculiarity of the long-wools, is in the production
of a fleece, which is perfectly adapted, by its length and
the absence of the felting property, to the manufacture of
worsted stuffs, bombazines, mousseline de laines, &c. This is
a branch of manufactures, for which we had little material
that was suitable, till the introduction of the long-wools; and
its rapid extension in the United States, within the past few
years, clearly shows that a large and increasing demand for
this kind of wool will continue at remunerating prices. Besides
its uses for combing, it is extensively manufactured into
blankets, carpeting, and many other fabrics.
Several of the Bakewells were imported during the last century;
and many flocks, containing some of the best specimens,
have been introduced and scattered over every section of the
country. The largest of any single importation of the long-wools,
was made by Messrs. Corning & Sotham, in 1842, and
immediately preceding, and consisted of 70 or 80 choice Cotswolds.
Some information on this subject will be found under the
head of breeding Merinoes, and improvement of the Long-Wools.
The ram and ewe should be selected from the best specimens
of the breed which is to be perpetuated. There are peculiarities
of form or appearance in each, which should be carefully
observed. A violent cross should never be permitted for the
purpose of perpetuation, as suggested under the head of principles
of breeding, in a previous chapter; such as between those
possessing totally opposite properties, as the Merino and long-wools;
and there is no conceivable advantage in mixing the
middle-wools, South Downs, &c., with either.
Lord Western has long experimented on the blending of
the Merino and long-wools, through several generations, without
any well-defined results, nor is it believed to be attainable.
There is no evenness or integrity of character, either in the
animal or fleece, from such mixtures; nor is it possible to
foretel the character of progeny from these bastard crosses.
The general rule, that like begets like, will not hold true here,
for the animal comes large or small, with a long or short
fleece, fine or coarse, or intermixed; and this, too, is repeated
through numerous generations, when the immediate parents
exhibit properties altogether unlike the offspring, and which
they derive from some remote ancestry. This practice will do
to produce lambs for the butcher, as the consequence of a
fresh cross is greater stamina and thrift; and it is found that
lambs thus bred attain an early and full development. Thousands
of such are annually bred on the banks of the Hudson,
Long Island, and around our large cities, and in the worst
possible way, as the large, coarse ram is used on the delicate
Saxon ewe; yet the lambs thrive and command a good price
in the market, and the owner is satisfied to pocket the result.
But nothing could be more absurd than to propagate from
such progeny for any other purpose than to make early and
profitable mutton.
The mixture of breeds of similar character, is attended with
the best consequences. Such was the intermingling of the
improved Leicesters with the Cotswold and Lincolnshire, by
which their former coarseness was removed; and such was the
use of the latter with the Leicesters, when they became impotent
and almost worthless, from over-refinement in breeding.
Good results have followed the mixture of the South and
Hampshire Downs. A marked improvement in the Merino in
this country, has been claimed by Mr. Jarvis and several
others, from the mixture of the various flocks, which for ages
had been kept distinct in Spain; and the same result is known
to have followed a similar course with the Rambouillet and
Saxon flocks.
About five months, varying from 145 to 162 days. Each
flock-master will of course determine what is the proper lambing
time. For early market, or when there are few sheep,
and those well looked after, the lambs may come while the
ewes are in the yards, and provision can be made for them,
by placing such as are heavy in warm stalls. Both the dam
and young thus receive a closer attention than they would in
the field; and after a week's housing, in severe weather, the
lamb may be turned out into the dry yard, where he will
suffer no more, apparently, than the full-grown sheep.
But with large flocks, early lambing is attended with much
trouble, and it is generally avoided, by deferring it till the
weather has become more settled, and a full bite of grass will
afford the dam a plentiful supply of milk. Yet in this case,
the young sheep must daily be under the eye of the shepherd,
who should see that they are well supplied with food, and especially
that they are brought under cover, in severe or stormy
weather.
A ram will serve from 20 to 100 ewes in a season, according
to his age, health, feed, and management. A South Down or
long-woolled lamb, of 7 or 8 months, is sometimes used; and
when this is done, he should be well fed, and allowed to run
only with a very few ewes. If full-grown rams are turned
into a lean pasture to remain with the ewes, not less than four
should be put in for every hundred. But if a well-fed ram,
in full health and vigor, is kept up, and led out to the ewe as
she comes into heat, and allowed to serve her once only, he
will suffice for one hundred, without injury to himself or progeny.
For this purpose, the ram should be prepared, not by
being fat, for this, neither he nor the ewe should ever be; but
by being fed with grain for a short time before, and during
the continuance of the season. The ewes are more likely to
come quickly into heat, and prove prolific, if lightly fed with
stimulating food at the time.
It is reasonably enough conjectured, that if procreation, and
the first period of gestation, takes place in cold weather, the
fœtus will subsequently be fitted for the climate, which rules
during the early stages of its existence. If this be so, and it
is certainly in accordance with the laws of nature, fine-woolled
sheep are most likely to maintain their excellence, by deferring
the connection of the male till the commencement of cold
weather; and in the Northern states, this is done about the
first of December, which brings the yeaning time in the last
of April or first of May, when the early grass will afford a
large supply and good quality of feed.
Sheep should be brought into winter-quarters soon after the
severe frosts occur, as these diminish the feed, and materially
impair its nutritious qualities. They ought also to be removed
from the grass-lands, before they become permanently softened
by the rains, as they will injuriously affect their comfort
and health; and allowing them to remain is equally objectionable,
from their poaching the sod. If the number be large
when brought to the yards, they must be divided into flocks
of 50 to 100, according to the size of the yards and sheds.
The young and feeble ought to be separated from the others,
and the ailing ones placed by themselves; and that no one
may suffer from the others, all should be classed as uniformly
as possible as to strength. The yards must be dry, well supplied
with a trough of fresh water, and with comfortable
sheds, to which they can retire when they choose.
These, in northern climates, are indispensable to profitable
sheep-raising, and in every latitude north of the Gulf of
Mexico they would be advantageous. There is policy as
well as humanity in the practice. An animal eats much less
when thus protected; he is more thrifty, less liable to disease,
and his manure is richer and more abundant. The feeding
may be done in the open yard in clear weather, and under
cover in severe storms. The shelters for sheep are variously
constructed, to suit the taste or circumstances of the flock-master.
A sheep-barn, built upon a side hill, will afford two
floors; one underneath, surrounded by three sides of wall,
should open to the south, with sliding or swinging doors to
guard against storms; and another may be provided above,
if the floors are perfectly tight, with proper gutters to carry
off the urine; and sufficient storage for the fodder can be
furnished by scaffolds overhead. Or they may be constructed
with twelve or fifteen feet posts on level ground, allowing
the sheep to occupy the lower part, with the fodder stored
above.
In all cases, however, thorough ventilation should be provided,
for of the two evils of exposure to cold or too great
privation of air, the former is to be preferred. Sheep cannot
long endure close confinement without injury. In all ordinary
weather, a shed closely boarded on three sides, with a tight
roof, is sufficient protection; especially, if the open side is
shielded from bleak winds, or leads into a well-enclosed yard.
If the floors above are used for storage, they should be made
tight, that no hay, chaff, or dust can fall upon the fleece.
These are indispensable to economical feeding. If the hay
is fed on the ground, the leaves and seeds, the most valuable
part of the fodder, are almost wholly lost; and when wet, the
sheep, in their restlessness while feeding, will tread much of
it into the mud. To make an economical box or rack, take
six light pieces of scantling, say three inches square, one for
each corner, and one for the centre of each side. Boards of
pine or hemlock, 12 or 15 feet long and 12 or 14 inches
wide, may then be nailed on to the bottom of the posts for
the sides, which are separated by similar boards at the ends,
2½ feet long. Boards 12 inches wide, raised above the lower
ones by a space of 9 to 12 inches, are nailed on the sides
and ends, which completes the rack. The edges of the
opening should be made perfectly smooth, to prevent chafing
or tearing out the wool. The largest dimensions above given,
are suitable for the large breeds, and the smallest for the
Saxon, and still smaller are proper for their lambs. These
should be set on dry ground, or under the sheds, and they
can easily be removed wherever necessary.
Some prefer the racks made with slats, or smooth, upright
sticks, in the form of the usual horse-rack. There is no objection
to this, but it should always be accompanied by a
board trough affixed to the bottom, to catch the fine hay
which falls in feeding. These may be attached to the side of
a building, or used double. A small lamb requires fifteen
inches of space, and a large sheep two feet, for quiet, comfortable
feeding; and at least this amount of room should be
provided around the racks for every sheep.
They may be variously constructed. The most economical
are made with two boards of any convenient length, ten to
twelve inches wide. Nail the lower side of one upon the
edge of the other, fastening both into a two or three inch
plank, fifteen inches long and a foot wide, notched in its upper
edge in the form required.
There is no better food for sheep, than well-ripened, sound,
timothy hay; though the clovers, and nearly all the cultivated
grasses, may be advantageously fed. Bean and pea straw
are valuable, and especially the former, which, if properly
cured, they prefer to the best hay; and it is well adapted to
the production of wool. All the other straws furnish a good
food, and sheep will thrive on them without hay, when fed
with roots or grain.
Roots ought to be given them occasionally for a change,
and especially to the ewes after lambing, if this occurs before
putting them on to fresh pasture. They keep the stomach
properly distended, the appetite and general health good; and
they render their winter forage nearly equal to their summer
feed.
Much grain is not suited to store-sheep. It is too rich, and
should be given sparingly except to the lambs, the old ewes, or
feeble sheep, or to restore the rams after hard service. For the
above purposes, oats are the best; and if any other grain,
beans or peas are given, it should be in small quantities.
When there is a deficiency of hay and roots, grain may be
used with straw.
The flock ought to be so fed as to receive the same amount
of nourishment throughout every part of the year. The evenness
and value of the fleece depends much upon this. When
the amount of nutrition is great, the wool-secreting organs are
distended, and the fibre becomes enlarged; when limited, they
necessarily contract, and the fibre is small. This produces a
want of trueness, which the experienced stapler readily detects,
and which he does not fail to estimate against the value of the
fleece.
Sheep ought to have a full supply of salt, and if accessible,
sulphur, ashes, tar, and clay would frequently be nibbled by
them when their stomach required either. Pine or hemlock
boughs are a good substitute for tar, and afford a most healthful
change in the winter-food of sheep. Entire cleanliness
and dryness are also essential to the health of the flock. The
smaller sizes of the Saxon may be well sustained on two
pounds of hay, but larger sheep will consume from three and
a half to four, or even five pounds per day. Sheep, like all
other animals when exposed to cold, will consume much more
than if well protected, or than during a warmer season.
Is an important consideration, as the lamb is sometimes the
only profit yielded by the flock; for when fodder is high, or
wool low, the fleece will barely pay for the food and attention.
Pregnant ewes require the same food as at all other times;
but caution is necessary to prevent injury or abortion, which is
often the result of excessive fat, feebleness, or disease. The
first may be remedied by blood-letting and spare diet; and
both the last by restored health and generous food. Sudden
fright, as from dogs or strange objects; long or severe journeys;
great exertions; unwholesome food; blows in the region of the
fœtus, and some other causes, produce abortion.
Most flocks are turned into the pasture before yeaning time,
and the ewe is then left to nature, which is a good practice, if
she is healthy and the weather good. But a larger number of
lambs will be reared by a careful oversight of the ewes, and
the use of proper precautions. As their time approaches,
which may be known by the springing of the udder and the
enlargement of the natural parts, they should be put by themselves
at night, in a warm stable or with others in the same
condition, and well looked after, late and early in the day.
They seldom need any assistance, nor should any be rendered,
except in case of wrong presentation, or feebleness in expelling
the fœtus. In the former case, the shepherd may
apply his thumb and finger, after oiling, to push back the
young, and assist in gently turning it till the nose and fore-feet
appear and for the latter, only the slightest aid should be
rendered, and that to help the throes of the dam.
When lambing in the field, only a few should be together,
as the young sometimes get changed, and the dams refuse to
own them. This difficulty is generally obviated, by holding
the ewe till the lamb has sucked two or three times; or they
may be shut up together, and the lamb rubbed with a little
fine salt. The lamb does not require nourishment for some hours
after its birth; but if the dam refuse to lick it as soon as it
appears, it must be carefully wiped dry. If the weather be
cold and the lamb is dropped in the field, the shepherd should
be furnished with large pockets or a well-lined basket, in
which it must be placed till the ewe is brought to the shed.
After the first day or two, the udders ought to be completely
drained of their milk by the hand, so as to prevent
swollen or caked bag. In case of deficiency of milk, the lamb
may be supplied from a new milch cow, by means of a sucking-bottle
with an air vent, or it may draw a part of its nourishment
from another ewe, which can be held while the lamb is
sucking.
It is sometimes necessary to substitute a foster-mother, in
which case, the ewe may be made to own the lamb, by milking
from her udder over the lamb and under his tail, rubbing
it on well; or rub the adopted lamb with the entrails and contents
of the stomach of the dead lamb, or cover it with the
skin. If the ewe proves a bad nurse, or it is desirable to
bring the lambs forward rapidly, they may be early taught to
eat boiled oats or other grain, cabbage, roots, and tender
hay. Lambs should be well fed, as this is important to produce
size, constitution, and perfection of form.
The ewes and their young ought to be divided into small
flocks, and have a frequent change of pasture. Some careful
shepherds adopt the plan of confining their lambs, and allow
them to suck two or three times a day; by which they suffer
no fatigue, and thrive much faster. But this is troublesome
and injurious, as the exercise is essential to the health and
constitution of the lamb intended for rearing. It is admissible
only when they are wanted for an early market, and by those
who rear them for this purpose, it is a common practice.
After selecting enough of the choicest rams for stock-getters,
the castrating may be performed at any time between
two and six weeks old, when the lamb is in good health. A
cool day should be chosen; or if warm, it must be done early
in the morning. The best method is for one person to hold
the lamb firmly between his legs, on an inclined plank upon
which he rests, while another with a sharp knife cuts off about
two-thirds of the lower part of the scrotum. The testicles are
then drawn out till the spermatic cord is reached, which is
divided by the thumb nail; or it is pulled out and cut with a
sharp knife. It is sometimes done by simply opening the scrotum,
when the testicles and spermatic cord are jerked out.
The wound should then be rinsed with cold water, after which
apply lard.
The operation of docking is by many deferred till a late period,
from apprehension of too much loss of blood; but if the
weather be favorable, and the lamb in good condition, it may
be performed at this time with the least trouble and without
injury. The tail should be laid upon the plank, the person
holding him in the same position as before. With one hand
he draws the skin towards the body, while the other person,
with a two-inch chisel and mallet, strikes it off at a blow, between
the bone joints, leaving it one and a half to two inches
long. The skin immediately slips back over the wound and is
soon healed. Ewe lambs should be docked closer than the
rams. To prevent flies and maggots, and assist in healing, it
is well to apply an ointment composed of lard and tar, in the
proportions of four pounds of the former to one quart of the
latter. This is also a good application for the scrotum. The
lambs should be carefully protected from cold and wet till they
are perfectly well.
Is the removal of such wool as is liable to get fouled, when
the sheep are turned on to the fresh pastures, and of course
it should be done just before leaving their winter quarters. It
is most easily accomplished by placing the animal on a low
table, and then holding it as in shearing, till the operation is
performed. All the wool near the extremity of the sheath,
and the scrotum of the males; from the udder of the ewes;
and from below the dock, the inside of the thighs, and the legs
of the sheep, should be removed.
As soon as the warm weather approaches, and the grass
appears, sheep become restive and impatient for the pasture.
This instinct should be repressed till the ground has become
thoroughly dry, and the grass has acquired substance. They
ought, moreover, to be provided for the change of food, by
the daily use of roots for a few days before turning out. It
would also check the tendency to excessive purging, which is
induced by the first spring feed, if they were housed at night,
and fed for the first few days with a little sound, sweet hay.
They must be provided with pure water, salt, &c., as in winter,
for though they may sometimes do tolerably well without
either, yet thrift and freedom from disease are cheaply secured
by this slight attention.
Dry, sweet pastures, and such as abound in aromatic and
bitter plants, are best suited for sheep-walks. No animal,
with the exception of the goat, crops so great a variety of
plants. They eat many which are rejected by the horse and
the ox, and which are even essential to their own wants. In
this respect, they are valuable assistants to the husbandman,
as they feed greedily on wild mustard, burdocks, thistles,
marsh-mallows, milkweed, and various other offending plants;
and the Merino exceeds the more recent breeds in the variety
of his selections.
Many prepare artificial pastures for their flocks. This may
be done with a number of plants. Winter rye, or wheat sown
early in the season, may be fed off in the fall, without injury
to the crop; and in the following spring, the rye may be pastured
till the stalks shoot up and begin to form a head. This
affords an early and nutritious food. Corn may be sown
broadcast, or thickly in drills, and either fed off in the fields,
or cut and carried to the sheep in their folds. White mustard
is a valuable crop for this purpose.
To give sheep sufficient variety, it would be better to divide
their range into smaller ones, and change them as often at
least as once a week. They seek a favorite resting-place, on a
dry, elevated part of the field, which soon becomes soiled. By
removing them from this for a few days, rains will cleanse,
or the sun dry it, so as again to make it suitable for them.
More sheep may be kept, and in better condition, where this
practice is adopted, than where they are confined to the same
pasture.
In most of that portion of the Union north of 40°, the
washing is performed from the middle of May till the first of
June, according to the season and climate. When the streams
are hard, which is frequently the case in limestone regions, it
is better to do this immediately after an abundant rain, by
which the lime derived from the springs is proportionally
lessened. The practice of a large majority of our farmers, is
to drive their sheep to the washing-ground early in the morning
on a warm day, leaving the lambs behind. The sheep are
confined on the bank of the stream by a temporary enclosure;
from which they are taken, and if not too heavy, are carried
into water sufficiently deep to prevent their touching bottom.
They are then washed, by gently squeezing the fleece with the
hands, after which they are led ashore, and as much of the
water pressed out as possible before letting them go, as the
great weight retained in the wool frequently staggers and
throws them down.
A good practice is to lead the sheep into the water and saturate
the fleece, after which they are taken ashore. When
they commence steaming, they are again led into the water,
and washed clean. This insures thorough cleansing, where
the water is pure. Others make use of a boat, one end of
which rests on a bold shore, and the other is in deep water.
The operator stands in the boat and plunges the animal over
the side, when the washing is performed. It is sometimes
done by sinking a tight hogshead or large box in the water,
with heavy weights, in which a man stands, and the sheep are
brought or led to him by another person, who walks on a platform
reaching from the bank to the hogshead. Either of the
last methods obviates the necessity of standing for a long
time in water, by which colds, rheumatism, &c. are frequently
contracted. In parts of Germany, and sometimes in this
country, sheep are forced to swim across a narrow stream
several times, by which the fleece is tolerably cleaned, if all
the water be pressed out when they get to the land. The yolk
being a saponaceous compound, and not an oily matter as is
generally supposed, it readily combines with the water and
passes out of the wool.
An excellent practice, when streams are not convenient, is
to lead a small ripple of soft water into a tub. To this, a little
soap is added, after which the sheep are immersed and thoroughly
cleansed. Perfect whiteness and purity of the fleece
is readily secured afterwards, by throwing over the sheep a
jet of water. This practice has a good effect, in preventing
or removing cutaneous disorders, and destroying ticks or other
vermin.
Many judicious farmers object to washing sheep, from its
tendency to produce colds and catarrhal affections, to which
sheep are particularly subject; but it cannot well be dispensed
with, as the wool is always more saleable, and if carefully
done, need not be attended with injury. Warm settled weather,
however, is indispensable to washing with safety to the
general health of the sheep.
Fig. 26 shows a ewe, with lines indicating the usual method
of sorting wool; number 1 indicating the refina or picklock;
2 and 3, the second and third qualities.
Fig. 26.
Wool Sorting
The manner of shearing varies with almost every district;
but as this is an art to be acquired under a skilful master, we
shall omit particular details on the subject. First clip all the
tags and filth, if any remains or has been accumulated after
the tagging in the spring; then take off the fleece and spread
it with the outside uppermost on a smooth bench or table, and
push the wool carefully together, to render it more compact;
double the sides over to the centre; throw the clean loose
locks into the middle, and roll together from each end. This
makes a smooth, dense package, which is secured by passing
a stout twine one or more times around the sides and ends.
All the wool from the extremities, should be closely sheared
and saved by itself, before dismissing the sheep, 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 branding, 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 washing or shearing, 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.
Is a custom little 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
different 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, by 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 application is not required for fine-woolled sheep,
whose fleeces are more appropriately protected by a natural
secretion of yolk; and it is better to omit it in all cases, where
the health and comfort of the animal do not render it absolutely
essential. Mr. Stewart, an experienced Scotch shepherd,
uses only tallow and train oil, mixed in equal proportions. He
asserts, that the improvement in the growth and quality of the
wool is at least one-third, and it materially benefits the condition
of the sheep.
The lambs may be weaned from 3½ to 4 months old. They
should be put upon rich, sweet feed, but not too luxuriant;
while the dams are turned upon the poorest, and so remote
from their young, as to be out of sight and hearing. The
ewes ought to be carefully examined after a day or two, and
if necessary, the milk removed with the hand. If it continues
to accumulate, the ewe may be fed on hay for a few days.
When thoroughly dried off, they should have the best fare,
to enable them to recover condition for subsequent breeding
and wintering. The fall is a critical period to lose flesh, either
for sheep or lambs; and if any are found deficient, they should
be at once provided with extra feed and attention. If cold
weather overtakes them poor or in ill-health, they will scarcely
outlive it; or if by chance they survive, their emaciated carcass,
impaired constitution, and scant fleece, will ill repay the
food and attention they will have cost.
This must depend on the state of the weather and food.
Severe frosts destroy much of the nutriment in the grasses, and
they soon after cease to afford adequate nourishment. Long
exposure to cold storms, with such food to sustain them, will
rapidly reduce their condition. The only safe rule is to transfer
them to their winter-quarters the first day they cease to
thrive abroad.
For the purpose of ridding it of the supernumeraries,
should be done at an earlier day. Such of the wethers as
have attained their prime, and those ewes that have passed it,
ought to be withdrawn soon after shearing, provided with the
best feed, and rapidly fitted for the shambles. If they have
been properly pushed on grass, they will be in good flesh by
the time they are taken from it; and if not intended for stall-feeding,
the sooner they are then disposed of the better.
This will be lost on an ill-shaped, unthrifty beast. The
perfection of form and health, and the uniform good condition,
which characterize the thrifty one, indicate too plainly to be
misunderstood, those which will best repay the care of their
owner. The selection of any indifferent animal for stall-fattening,
whether cattle or sheep, will inevitably be attended
with loss. Such ought to be got rid of when first brought
from the pasture, for the most they will bring.
When destined for the prairies, sheep ought to commence
their journey as early after shearing as possible. They are
then disencumbered of their fleece, and do not catch and retain
as much dust, as when driven later. Feed is also generally
better, and the roads are dry and hard. Young and
healthy sheep should be selected, with early lambs; or if the
latter are too young, and the distance great, they should be
left and the ewes dried off. A large wagon ought to accompany
the flock, to carry such as occasionally give out; or they
may be disposed of whenever they become enfeebled. With
good care, a hardy flock may be driven at the rate of 12 or
14 miles a day. Constant watchfulness is requisite, to keep
them healthy and in good plight. One-half the expense of
driving, may be saved by the use of well-trained shepherd-dogs.
When arrived at their destination, they must be thoroughly
washed, to free them from all dirt, and closely examined as to
any diseases they may have contracted, which, if discovered,
should be promptly removed. A variety of suitable food and
good shelter must be provided, for the autumn, winter, and
spring ensuing, and every necessary attention given them.
This would be necessary if indigenous to the country; how
much more so, when they have just undergone a campaign,
to which neither they nor their race have been accustomed!
Sheep cannot be kept on the prairies without much care,
artificial food, and proper attention; and from a false system
of economy, hitherto attempted by many, losses have occurred
from disease and mortality in the flocks, sufficient to have
made ample provision for the comfort and security of twice
the number lost. More especially do they require proper
food and attention, after the first severe frosts set in, which
wither and kill the natural grasses. By nibbling at the fog,
(the frostbitten, dead grass,) they are inevitably subject to
constipation, which a bountiful supply of roots, sulphur, &c.,
is alone sufficient to remove.
Roots, grain, and good hay; straw, or corn-stalks, pea or
bean vines, are essential to the preservation of their health and
thrift during the winter, everywhere north of 39°. In summer,
the natural herbage is sufficient to sustain them in fine
condition, till they shall have acquired a denser population of
animals, when it will be found necessary to stock their meadows
with the best varieties of artificial grasses.
The prairies seem adapted to the usual varieties of sheep
introduced into the United States; and of such are the flocks
made up, according to the taste or judgment of the owners.
Shepherd-dogs are invaluable to the owners of flocks, in those
unfenced, illimitable ranges, both as a defence against the
small prairie-wolf, which prowls around the sheep, but which
are rapidly thinning off by the settlers; and also as assistants
to the shepherds in driving and herding their flocks on the
open ground.
The dry and healthful climate, the rolling surface, and the
sweet and varied herbage, which generally prevail in the
United States, insure perfect health to an originally sound and
well-selected flock, unless peculiarly exposed to disease. No
country is better suited to sheep, than most of the northern
and some of the southern parts of our own. In Europe, and
especially in England, where the system of management is
necessarily in the highest degree artificial, consisting frequently
in early and continued forcing the system, folding on
wet, plowed grounds, and the excessive use of that watery
food, the Swedes turnip, there are numerous and fatal diseases.
Hence the long list which lumbers the pages of foreign
writers on sheep.
The most destructive of these are the rot, and epidemics
which are scarcely known in America, except by report. The
diseases incident to our flocks may generally be considered as
casualties, rather than as inbred, or necessarily arising from
the quality of food, or from local causes. It may be safely
asserted, that with a dry pasture, well stocked with varied
and nutritious grasses; a clear, running stream; sufficient shade
and protection against severe storms; a constant supply of
salt, tar, and sulphur in summer; good hay, and sometimes
roots, with ample shelters in winter; young sheep, originally
sound and healthy, will seldom or never get diseased on
American soil.
The few diseases which it may be necessary here to mention,
will be treated in the simplest manner. Remedies of general
application, to be administered often by the unskilful and
ignorant, must neither be elaborate nor complicated; and, if
expensive, the lives of most sheep would be dearly purchased
by their application.
A sheep which the owner has reared or purchased at the
ordinary price, is the only domestic animal which can die
without material loss to its owner. The wool and pelt will,
in most instances, repay its cost, while the carcasses of other
animals will be worthless except for manure. The loss of
sheep from occasional disease, will leave the farmer's pocket
in a very different condition from the loss of an equal value
in horses or cattle. Yet humanity, equally with interest, dictates
the use of such simple remedies for the removal of suffering
and disease, as may be within reach.
When light and not long continued, calls for no remedy.
It is a healthful provision of nature for the more rapid expulsion
of some offending matter in the system, which, if retained,
might lead to disease. It is generally owing to improper food,
as bad hay or noxious weeds; to a sudden change, as from
dry food to fresh grass; or to an excess, as from overloading
the stomach; and sometimes, from cold and wet.
The remedies are obvious.
Change to suitable food in the first two cases; enforce abstinence
after repletion; and provide warm, dry shelter, with
light diet, if owing to the latter causes.
When severe or long continued, a dose of castor oil may be
given, and after its operation, give four grains of opium and
one ounce chalk, and put them on dry food. Wheat-bran or
shorts, and oat-meal or flaxseed ground, are both good for
ailing lambs and sheep; as are also ripe oats or wheat, fed in
the sheaf, with well cured, sweet hay, and plenty of salt.
Fresh boughs of the juniper, or pine and hemlock, help to
check the disorder.
Looseness in the larger lambs is prevented by having chalk
within their reach; or if they refuse it, administer it in their
food. When it happens soon after birth, place it with the
ewe in a warm place, and feed the latter with plenty of oats,
or other sound grain. If the milk be deficient, give the lamb
cow's milk scalded, or let it suck the cow. The tail is sometimes
glued on to the buttocks, while the scours continue.
Separate it immediately by the use of warm water, and rub
the parts with dry loam or clay.
This is a different and frequently a fatal disease, but resembles
the former in its general symptoms. It is owing to
prolonged diarrhœa, unwholesome or meager food, and other
causes. Bleeding and physic should be resorted to, after
which give warm, nourishing gruel.
For description and remedies, see hoven in cattle.
This is manifested by uneasiness, loathing of food, frequent
drinking, carrying the head down, drawing the back up,
swollen belly, feverish symptoms, and avoidance of the flock.
It appears mostly in late autumn and spring, and may be induced
by exposure to severe storms, plunging in water when
hot, and especially by constipation brought on by feeding on
frostbitten, putrid, or indigestible herbage.
Remedies are not often successful, unless promptly applied.
Bleed freely, and to effect this, in consequence of the stagnant
state of the blood, immersion in a tub of hot water may be
necessary. Then give two ounces Epsom salts, dissolved in
warm water, with a handful of common salt.
If this is unsuccessful, give a clyster made with a pipe-full
of tobacco, boiled for a few minutes in a pint of water.
Administer half, and if this is not effectual, follow with the
remainder. Then bed the animal in dry straw and cover
with blankets, and assist the purgatives with warm gruels,
followed by laxative provender till well.—(Blacklock.) Thousands
of sheep have died on the prairies from braxy, induced
by exposure and miserable forage. Entire prevention
is secured by warm, dry shelters, and nutritious, digestible
food.
This is removed by giving two tablespoonfuls of castor
oil every twelve hours, till the difficulty is removed; or give one
ounce Epsom salts. This may be assisted by an injection of
warm, weak suds and molasses.
Sheep sometimes stretch out their noses on the ground, and
around their sides, as if in severe pain. This may be caused
by an involution of one part of the intestine within another.
When owing to this cause, the difficulty is frequently removed
by jerking the animal by the hind-legs several times,
when the pain disappears.
But it is generally occasioned by costiveness, which see
above. This may be prevented by using green food, roots,
&c., once a week, or by allowing them to browse on the evergreens,
pines, hemlock, and firs.
From laurel and other plants, is cured by pouring a gill of
melted lard down the throat, or boil for an hour the twigs of
the white ash, and give half to one gill of the strong liquor
immediately; to be repeated if not successful.
This is produced by improper exposure to cold and wet.
The remedy for slight affections, is warm, dry shelter, and
light food. When severe, resort must be had to bleeding and
purging freely, then to light bran or linseed mashes.
This sometimes causes the death of a million of sheep in a
single year in England, yet it is a disease almost unknown
in this country. Foreign authorities ascribe it entirely to
excessive humidity of climate, wet pastures, or too watery
food.
The preventives are therefore obvious. After the use of
dry food and dry bedding, one of the best is the abundant
use of pure salt. In violent attacks, early bleeding, followed
by a dose of two ounces Epsom salts, to be repeated if necessary,
with a change of diet and location, is all that can be done.
This is frequently a prevalent disease among American
sheep. It is sometimes spontaneous, but more often produced
by contagion. In the former case, it is caused by soft,
rich, or moist pastures. A dry gravelly or rocky range,
will of course be an effectual preventive when owing to this
cause.
The disorder is communicated by the absorbents of the
foot coming in contact with the suppuration which has been
left on the ground from the diseased part. Absolute safety
against this contagion is secured only by a total avoidance of
the walks of the infected animals, till repeated rains, or what
is better, frosts, have disarmed the virus of its malignity.
Remedies are variously compounded, of blue vitriol, verdigris,
tar, spirits of turpentine, alum, saltpetre, salt, lime, copperas,
white-lead, antimony, alcohol, urine, vinegar, &c., all of which
have proved effectual.
The hoof should first be pared and thoroughly scraped.
Then apply a wash made of three parts of blue vitriol, one of
verdigris pulverized finely, with scalding (not boiling) vinegar;
stirring briskly till it is of the consistence of thin cream, and
put it upon the affected part with a paint brush. It is a
good preventive, to apply this to the sound feet of the affected
animal.
Another remedy is to use spirits of turpentine after scraping;
and if the disease is of long standing, add to the turpentine
a strong decoction of blue vitriol dissolved in water.
The foot should be examined every week, and the remedy repeated
till perfect soundness is restored.
A feather dipped in muriatic or nitric acid, and applied to
the parts after scraping and cleansing, is a good remedy.
When put upon the soles of foot-sore sheep, it hardens the
hoofs, and enables them to travel better.
Sheep are sometimes cured by keeping them on a dry surface,
and driving over a barn-floor daily, which is well covered
with quicklime. It may also be cured by dryness, and repeated
washing with soap-suds.
The above ailment should not be confounded with a temporary
soreness, or inflammation of the hoof, occasioned by the
irritation from the long, rough grasses which abound in low
situations, which is removed with the cause; or if it continues,
apply white paint or tar, after thorough washing.
May be cured by first removing the vermin; then wash with
Castile soap and warm soft water, after which apply white-lead
with linseed oil. Tar put on the festering wound corrodes it;
but this, or spirits of turpentine placed on the sound parts near
it, keep off the flies by their strong effluvia.
If the wound be slight, and the weather moderate, apply a
little spirits of turpentine with a strong decoction of elder bark.
May be prevented by smearing with a composition made of
two pounds lard or soft grease, one pound sulphur, half pint
oil of amber, or oil of tar, or tar alone. A small spoonful is
sufficient for a sheep.—Genesee Farmer.
In July, August, and September, in the Northern states, the
gad-fly (Œstus ovis) attacks the nostrils of the sheep, and there
deposites its eggs, which, on being hatched, immediately crawl
up and make a lodgment in the head. They are frequently
repelled by laying a thick coat of tar on the bottom of the
troughs, and sprinkling it with salt. The smell of the tar adhering
to the nose will drive off the fly. A more effectual
remedy is to apply it thoroughly with a brush to the external
part of the nose.
If a few furrows of loose earth are turned up in their pastures,
the sheep will hold their noses to them, and thus keep
off the fly.
The symptoms of grubs in the head, are drooping of the
head and ears, discharge of bloody and watery matter from the
nostrils, and loss of strength in the limbs.
If worms have made a lodgment, take half a pound of good
Scotch snuff, and two quarts boiling water: stir, and let it stand
till cold. Inject about a tablespoonful of this liquid and sediment
up each nostril, with a syringe. Repeat this three or
four times at intervals, from the middle of October till January:
the grubs are then small, and will not have injured the
sheep. The efficacy of the snuff will be increased, by adding
half an ounce assafœtida, pounded in a little water. The effect
on the sheep is immediate prostration and apparent death,
but they will soon recover. A decoction of tobacco will afford
a substitute for snuff.—N. Eng. Far.
Blacklock's remedy is, to half fill the bowl of a pipe with
tobacco, light it, and then hold the sheep, while a person inserts
the stem some distance into the nostril, and blows a few
whiffs into the nose. The operation is then repeated with the
other nostril.
Is sometimes fatal. It is said to be cured by daubing the
lips and mouth plentifully with tar.—Albany Cultivator.
Dip a small swab into tar, then roll in salt. Put some on
the nose, and compel the sheep to swallow a small quantity.—American
Far.
A disease indicated by drooping, running at the eyes, weakness
in the back and loins, inability to use the hind legs, was
removed by turning the sheep into a pasture containing lobelia,
(Indian tobacco.) Dried lobelia was also given, and produced
the same effect.—Cultivator.
This loathsome disease, to which fine-woolled sheep are particularly
liable, is caused, like itch in the human subject, by a
small insect, a species of the acari. It is first manifest by the
rubbing of the sheep, and soon after by one or more tufts of
wool, which is loosened at the roots. On feeling the skin, a
hard, dry tumor is perceptible. To prevent contagion, remove
the infected sheep to a separate pasture or yard as soon
as discovered.
Remedies.—The Spanish shepherds dissolve a little salt in
their mouth, and drop it upon the infected part.
When the tumor has become enlarged, the wool should be
removed closely to the skin, the scab scraped with a curry-comb,
then wash with strong soap-suds or ley, and afterwards
rub thoroughly with sulphur or brimstone, mixed with lard or
grease.
An effectual remedy is prepared by taking one pound of tobacco,
which add to 12 quarts ley from wood ashes of sufficient
strength for washing, and four quarts urine; to this add
another mixture of a gill high-wines; ¼ oz. camphor; ¼ oz.
Spanish brown, and ½ gill spirits of turpentine. A small quantity
of this applied to the sore will never fail.
Immediately after shearing, scab may readily be cured by
immersing the sheep, (excepting the head,) in a strong decoction
of tobacco liquor, adding a gill of spirits of turpentine for
the first, and making a slight addition of fresh liquid for each
sheep, enough to keep up the strength of the tobacco and turpentine,
and taking care to rub the affected part thoroughly.
For lambs, this liquor should be diluted, but yet left strong
enough to kill ticks in one or two minutes, which may be
ascertained by experiment.
Scab is also removed by using a composition of one pound
plug tobacco to three gallons of water, with lime-water and
oil of vitriol added; or a decoction of hellebore with vinegar,
sulphur, and spirits of turpentine.—(H. D. Grove.)
Scab is propagated more by using the same rubbing posts,
than by contact with each other. Sheep in low condition are
more subject to it than others.
Sometimes infest sheep. Good feeding and shelter is a
partial preventive, but when they have made their lodgment,
they must be dipped in a decoction of tobacco water. The
most effectual time for their destruction, is a few days after
shearing, when they will have left the naked bodies of the old
ewes, to hide in the fleeces of the lambs. The dipping in
tobacco water, with the addition of a small quantity of turpentine,
is an effectual remedy.
After dipping the sheep or lambs, the liquor should be
pressed out from the wool, upon an inclined plane, so arranged
as again to run into the vessel.
Will be recognised as one of the staple diseases of our
native sheep, described on page 89. The wool in this case
falls off, leaving the sheep partially or almost wholly naked;
but this is not accompanied with soreness or apparent disease.
The animal must be provided with a warm stall and generous
feed, and the naked skin should be anointed with tar and
grease. The preventive is good keeping and shelter.
Sometimes affect sheep, but more especially lambs under a
year old. The first is caused by the hydatid. It is considered
as an almost incurable disorder, but is sometimes removed by
trepanning.
Chancellor Livingston carefully supplied two thus attacked,
with food for three months, when nature effected a cure. Removal
to dry lands and purging, is a good precaution when
they are first taken.
An English lad lately cured one which had been given
up, by boring with a gimlet into the soft place on the head,
when the water rushed out, and the sheep immediately followed
the others to the pasture. A correspondent of the Albany
Cultivator asserts, that ½ a pint of melted lard poured down
the throat, will cure blind staggers in ten minutes.
Occurs sometimes, and is usually caused by excessive fright
or exertion, and sometimes by severe exposure and poor feed.
It is seldom fatal, except to the lamb.
Is occasionally protruded after lambing. It should be immediately
returned, first washing it in warm milk and water, if
any dirt adheres to it. For this, the hand only should be
used. After rubbing it with lard or oil, hold up the hind legs,
and gently replace the protruded parts, then keep the ewe
quiet till fully recovered.
Keep the bag thoroughly drained of milk, for which purpose
the lamb is the most efficient. If it is lost, another may be
temporarily substituted. Purge freely with Epsom salts, and
wash the udder repeatedly with very warm water. If matter
forms, it should be opened with the lancet.
"Nothing tends so much to the recovery of an animal from
a disease in which bleeding is required, as the rapid flow of
the blood from a large orifice. Little impression can be made
on an acute disease by the slow removal of even a large
quantity of blood, as the organs have time to accommodate
themselves to the loss, which might, for any good it will do,
as well be dispensed with. Either bleed rapidly, or not at all.
The nearer the commencement of an ailment, in which you employ
bleeding, the operation is resorted to, the greater the
chance of its doing good.
Bleeding by nicking the under surface of the tail, does very
well, where no great deal of blood is required, but it is not to
be thought of if the veins of the face or neck can possibly be
opened. These are to be taken in preference to a vein on the
leg, as they are much more readily got at. The facial vein
commences by small branches on the side of the face, and runs
downwards and backwards to the base of the jaw, where it
may be felt within two inches of the angle, or opposite the
middle grinding tooth. It is here that the orifice must be
made: the thumb of the left hand being held against the vein,
so as to prevent the flow of blood towards the heart, will make
it rise.
Some prefer opening the jugular vein, which commences
behind the eye and runs down the side of the neck. This
vessel is, however, more difficult to open than the former, being
better covered with wool, and not so easily exposed or
made to swell. Stringing is the mode commonly resorted to
for this end; that is to say, a cord is drawn tightly round the
neck close to the shoulder, so as to stop the circulation through
the vein, and render it perceptible to the finger.
A lancet is the instrument generally used in bleeding, though
a well-pointed penknife will do at a pinch. The opening must
always be made obliquely; but before attempting this, the
animal must be secured, by placing it between the operator's
legs, with its croup against a wall. The selected vein is then
fixed by the fingers of the operator's left hand, so as to prevent
its rolling or slipping before the lancet. Having fairly
entered the vein, the point of the instrument must be elevated
at the same time that it is pushed a little forward, by which
motion it will be lifted from or cut its way out of the vein.
A prescribed quantity of blood should never be drawn, for the
simple reason that this can never be precisely stated. If the
symptoms are urgent, as in all likelihood they will be, your best
plan is not to stop the flow of blood till the animal fall or is
about to fall. When this occurs, run a pin through the edges
of the orifice, and finish by twisting round it a lock of wool."—(Blacklock.)
By first sewing and then covering with salve. Smaller
ones may be secured with an adhesive plaster or bandage.
Smear the neck plentifully with a mixture of tar and sulphur.
Bells are also said to guard the flock, as both are excessively
wary, and have a great dislike to any thing artificial.
Large dogs will keep them at bay. A better remedy is to
kill the marauders, which may be done by inserting strychnine
in fresh meat and leaving it in their haunts.
