356 SCAB IN SHEEP. 



of mercury. All the sheep that showed the least symptom of 

 disease were kept apart by themselves, and underwent a second 

 dressing in a few weeks. In the course of six months the whole 

 flock was clipped a second time, a system which was practised 

 in some of the districts of Australia at that time — clipping twice 

 in the year. Mr Gardner dressed his whole stock again, putting 

 them through the same process ; and whilst he resided in the 

 colony, which was for several years, a scabbed sheep never was 

 seen amongst his flock, — a very important fact, and a demonstra- 

 tive proof that scab amongst sheep can be totally eradicated, 

 even although it has been of several years' standing. " Thus," 

 says Mr Gardner, "in the course of six months, after a great 

 deal of trouble and expense, I got rid of the most troublesome 

 disease that can affect sheep. But the trouble and expense 

 were doubly repaid in the same space of time. The stock fed 

 a great deal better, and the wool was of more value ; and instead 

 of being compelled to pay a shepherd for every 600 sheep, 

 to keep scab in moderation, I put under one man's charge 

 1600 sheep, and found he could manage the latter number 

 with more ease and satisfaction than he could formerly the 

 600 when scab prevailed ; and I was enabled to live, my- 

 self, in comparative ease and quietness. The quantity of liquid 

 applied was one ounce of the sublimate of mercury, mixed in 

 two gallons of water, and a few ounces of tobacco boiled, which 

 was sufficient for twelve sheep." Mr Gardner adds that the 

 mixture was attended with a good deal of danger, and, in 

 general, a good many died after the operation, especially if 

 allowed free access to water. They drank greedily in that hot 

 climate, and doubly so after the operation ; and when allowed 

 to do so, a severe swelling took place about the head, and death 

 was generally the result. But when the operation was conducted 

 with care, and the sheep kept entirely free from water, the loss 

 was trifling. 



The loss resulting from dressing scabbed sheep with the sub- 

 limate of mercury in Scotland has at times been severe, and has 

 led generally to the disuse of it. There is no doubt a more 

 powerful substance cannot be used for destroying the insect, but 

 it is often attended with injurious results to the constitution of 

 the animal. And there is no doubt the spirit of tar is a safer and 

 equally as effectual a cure. The only objection to its use is 

 staining the wool, and a good reduction of price is sometimes 

 experienced at the time of sale. This, however, is certainly the 

 least evil, and can be remedied to a great extent ; for example, 

 if a flock of sheep has to be poured twice with the spirit of tar, 

 there is no doubt the wool cannot be sold at a high figure for 

 white, but, again, let the sheep be smeared with tar and butter, 

 and sold for laid wool. The extra weight in a great measure 



