Rensselaer Union, Volume 1, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 July 1869 — Sheep after Shearing.. [ARTICLE]

Sheep after Shearing..

After a sheep has lost its fleece, the skin of the animal becomes very sensi ive to the heat of a searching sun, or the cnill Of a cold storm. To be convinced of this, and the importance of making some extra exertion for the comfort of the ani mals, it is only necessary to visit the field where the flock is kept, when the day is hot or immoderate, and witness the discomfort manifested. In either case the sheep will be found seeking shelter, panting or shivering, and of course suffering severely. Probably the most economical mode of protecting the flock is to turn them into the woods, or into a field, a part of which is covered by forest trees. Here, in a hot day they are shielded from the sun, and iD a cold storm get some protection. It is better, however, when a cold storm approaches, to drive the fl >ck up, and keep them in the barn until the weather is suitable for them to go out again. It will be remembered that but a few years ago, thousands of sheet) were kiiled in Northern Ohio, by a cold storm some time in June Farmers at that time who were thoughtful enough to care for their flocks saved them, and the lesson learned them should be remembered. It is not frequent that we have summer storms severe enough to kill sheep outright, unless, perhaps, it be a few old “pel ters,” yet that is no argument against giving them protection, for when an animal suffers from any cause, it declines in flesh, health and strength. At this season it is particularly important that ewes with lambs be given aH the advantage possible, for they have two lives to support, and the draught upon their systems is heavy enough, without being subjected to endurances which might, with care, be averted.— Ohio Farmer.