Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter xii. wintering blackfaced sheep. The successful wintering of the flock taxes the skill of the flock-master quite as much as the summer management. This may readily be imagined when the whole bearings of the question are considered, and more especially the variable character of the seasons. Were all our winters of the same degree of severity, it might be possible for each farmer to lay down fixed rules, and to adopt a definite system for the management of his flock year after year, but owing to the changeableness of the weather, this course is impracticable. No two winters are exactly alike in every respect. The period of the year, or the month during which severe weather may occur, or the length of time it may prevail, cannot be reckoned, and, therefore, alterations in the methods of management must be made accordingly. Preparation and promptitude in adopting such means as are most beneficial to the welfare of the flocks during any emergency of weather constitutes the most skilful management, whereas, by neglecting to provide for them such food as may be required, and delay in affording the necessary relief when the sheep actually begin to suffer, denotes the unskilful and unsuccessful manager. Whether our winters are now less severe than formerly is a question which no one, perhaps, is very well qualified to answer. It is generally supposed, however, that the winters have become considerably modified during the present century, and that we do not experience such heavy snowfalls or such intense frosts as those recorded in former times. What reasons may be assigned to justify such a belief we dare hardly venture to state; but on the evidence of the oldest living inhabitants who positively declare the winters are milder since they...
