Lesson XXIV. SHEEP-SHEARING McGuffey's Second Reader Directions Sheep are washed (P) and sheared (P) some time [NuA] {in the month} {of June}. | This should be done (P) quite early {in the month}, [Adv. to "early" before the hot days begin]. | It is fine sport (PN) {for those} [Adj. to "those" who look on], but not much fun (PN) {for the sheep}. | It is best (PA) {for the sheep} to have the wool taken [#1] off; | otherwise they would suffer {in the summer time}. | [Adv. to "are driven" When the time comes {for washing the sheep [#2] }], they are driven (P) {to a pond or a little river}. | Then they are thrown (P) {into the water}, one [NuA] {at a time}. | The men [Adj. to "men" who are {in the water}] catch them (DO), and squeeze the wet wool (DO) {with their hands} to get the dirt [#3] all {out of it}. | [Adv. to "are taken" When the wool is thoroughly dried (P),] the sheep are taken (P) {to the shearer}; | and he cuts off the wool (DO) {with a large pair} {of shears}. | It is then dyed (P), spun (P), and woven (P) {into cloth}. | {In a short time}, [Adv. to "grows" before the cold winter comes], new wool grows out {on the sheep}. | {By the coming} {of spring} there is so much (PN), [Adv. (result) to "so" that it must be cut (P) off again]. | Notes 2. "Sheep" is the direct object of the gerund "washing." The gerund phrase functions as the object of the preposition "for." 3. "Dirt" is the direct object of the infinitive "to get." The infinitive phrase functions as an adverb (of purpose) to "squeeze." |