Rensselaer Union, Volume 6, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 January 1874 — Winter Yard for Sheep. [ARTICLE]

Winter Yard for Sheep.

One of the important things in the winter care of sheep is that the yard where they are allowed to run shall be absolutely well littered and dry. They never should be compelled to move about or stand in yards that are covered with muddy litter, much less the actual mud itself. It is sometimes difficult in the West, with our changeable winters, with alternate freezing and thawing, to keep the yard in proper condition without using a large amount of litter. It should, however, be done at any cost of material, and when once there is a sufficient layer of straw in the litter, the subsequent quantity used will be found to be but little. Since on most Western farms there is always much straw that must go to waste, and since also the litter and drippings make most valuable manure, it will be found to be economy in the end, from tiiis point of view. Besides this, the clean out-door bed to stand on in wet weather, and the clean and warm one in cold weather, will so promote their well-being,and consequently health, as to prevent the occurrence of those diseases incident to sheep that must be subject more pr less to wet, and at certain seasons of the year spongy pasture. Muddy yards prevent sheep, and indeed all animals, from moving about and taking the exercise absolutely necessary to comfort and health. The absolute dryness of the yards is especially necessary to the long-wooled sheep, since they are especially susceptible to foot rot, fouls, the other- diseases incident to piud and uncleanly care. If a little straw be scattered over the yard at proper intervals after the first good coating is given in the autumn, the sheep will pick a little of the better portions, and be all the better for what they tread under foot.—Western Rurtl. Itch in Sheep.—A correspondent who asks for remedy for itch in sheep, is informed that the following has been recommended : Shear off the wool about the pustules; then let the scab be removed with a knife or a comb, after which the diseased parts must be washed with soap and water; then kpply the following mixture: One pound of plug tobacco to four gallons of water, which should be thoroughly boiled; then add the same quantity of lime-water with one pint of spirits of turpentine, or in these proportions if a less quantity is needed. After the diseased sheep is shorn of its wool, as well as all the sound ones, prepare a decoction of the above, and, with a sponge, wash well the entire body, which will prevent a recurrence of the disease, even if turned in the old pasture. —Cincinnati Timet. —Preventive Wash for Sunburn.—Take two drams of borax, one dram of Roman alum, one dram of camphor, half an ounce- of sugar candy, one pound of ox gall. Mix these all together, and stir them well for ten minutes; repeat the stirring four times a day for a fortnight, at the end of which time the lotion will appear clear and transparent Strain through blotting-paper and bottle for use. I Wash your face with this every time you go into the sunshine. |J .. / _ —Plain Cake for Square Pans.—One cup butter, one cup sirup, three cups flour, half a cup sweet milk, five eggs, one spoon cream-of-tartar, half a spoon soda, plenty of spice. Bake in a square tin.