SHEARING HINTS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3148, 18 December 1922, Page 7

SHEARING HINTS.

In the court*? of a paper read at a . meeting of sheepowners hi Austraiiarecently, the writer, after stressing the importance of sharpening the sheafs properly, went on to say a few worm about catching and holding the sheep. The sheep should he taken from the pen by the hind leg, and when brought to the board set upon its hind legs. "Place the two front legs of the sheep; under your left arm, and when that is dbue -the belly wool can be removed, taking care not to out off the pizzle, or, if a ewe, be careful not to nip off a feat. After the belly wool is removed the inside of the hind legs must be cleaned. That done, let the sheep lean slightly towards you, so that the outside of the near hind leg can be cleaned. Next it will be -necessary to go up the neck, and to do this the shearer places hist right leg between the sheep's four legs, at the same time turning the sheep's neck towards the shearer's left leg. It will then be very easy to shear up the neck, coining out just below the off ear. When this is done it is easy to shear the near side. Be sure to shear well over the tail. You then commence the lastside. This is done by placing your left leg over the sheep's off shoulder, then let the sheep lean towards your teg. "When the shoulder is cleaned, you place both of your legs together and draw the sheep towards you. Any amateur can then finish the'job. Whilst shearing a sheep be careful not to stand on the wool, as it is apt to discolor the fleece. Second cuts should be avoided, for they not only reduce the price of the wool, but that will be lost from the next clip, and is of no value. If left on the sheep it will be taken off next shearing, and then be valuable. In conclusion, I would advise the amateur not to try and shear too 1 quickly at the beginning. It is far better to go slow. Do not be' afraid to push the shears into the wool, so that you are cutting with the full length of the blades."