human
Do they stay out in the field all night, sir?
gpt
O, no! we always shelter them. At this season, we allow them to feed till late; the sun being so hot in the middle of the day, they all crowd under the shade of the hill.
human
But what do they do when it rains?
gpt
A warm shower doesn't hurt the lambs; but we had some cold north-east storms earlier in the season, when we were obliged to drive them all in, as we couldn't separate the lambs from their mothers. One day, we tried to keep the ewes out to feed, but they bleated so much for their little ones 'twas no use; they wouldn't eat.
human
I'm glad of that, cried Minnie, eagerly.
gpt
I'm glad your sheep love their children. In Ireland, sometimes they won't own them.
human
We had a great deal of trouble with the merinos, Mr. Sullivan went on, directing his remark to Mr. Lee.
gpt
Not one in ten cared any thing about her lamb. If she had milk enough, I could tie her; but it often made my heart ache to hear the poor wee things crying for a mother's care. I was almost glad when they died off, as they generally did. I find it's the universal opinion now that merinos make poor nurses.
human
Have you any more questions to ask, Miss?
gpt
O, a great many! But as we are going to stay all night, I shall have time.
human
Then, my dear, I will go in, said her mother, laughing.
gpt
I think you have catechised Mr. Sullivan quite enough for the present.