This change is doubtless due to the steadily increasing cost of grain and labor accompanied by correspondingly high prices of lamb, mutton and wool. Also to a general recognition of the economic value of sheep--both of the mutton and wool breeds--as quick producers of income, no little part of which should be profit. The latter point is due to the fact that sheep are inexpensive to maintain as they thrive upon the roughest of pastures and coarse feeds which will not sell to advantage, and their care consumes but little time. Low production costs--feed and labor--and high prices for the products make a most satisfactory combination. Methods of successful sheep management vary in different sections of the country. The beginner may well consult the successful sheep-growers in his section and adopt the methods which give good results under the conditions existing in his locality. At the same time he should neglect no opportunity to secure more information from all sources, in order to know and use the most advanced methods and so make the maximum profits. Here are a few basic facts: Sheep raising requires careful attention, but does not demand a great amount of heavy labor or expensive equipment. The best time to make a start is in the early fall when good breeding stock may be selected. While pure-bred breeders are best, a pure-bred ram and ewes of good grade will prove very satisfactory. A start may be made in a small way, but it is best to have at least twenty to forty breeders for economy of time, labor and other expenses. As a rule it is most profitable to push the lambs for growth and market them when they weigh 65 to 75 pounds. This weight can be secured in about four months. If a very large pasture is available the flock will thrive on this. Otherwise fields must be fenced off and forage crops provided. Breeding ewes must be exercised in the winter to insure strong lambs. But protect them from rain or wet snow as soaked fleeces cause colds and pneumonia. [Illustration: ~SHROPSHIRE SHEEP~] Thrifty condition and vigorous health must be maintained at all costs. Otherwise the lambs will be small and weak and fleeces of inferior quality. The regular use of Pratts Animal Regulator will improve condition, insure health and vigor, increase number and quality of lambs, promote growth of flesh and wool. And in large measure, it keeps common diseases away because Pratt-fed sheep are in condition to _resist_ disease. Shearing should be done after lambing, usually in late spring or early summer. If lambing time is late, the shearing may be done before the lambs arrive. Tie up the fleeces separately, first sorting out dung locks and tags.