SEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X. 517 



fleece upon the pasture, (f) Its occasionally throwing sheep off their feed 

 for a few days after dipping, and so prejudicing the condition of the sheep, 

 (g) Its frequent effect upon the skin of the sheep, causing excoriation, blis- 

 tering and hardness, which stiffen and injure the animal, sometimes re- 

 sulting in death. 



Although this manufacturer has gone further in his attack upon ar- 

 senic than the bureau of animal industry would have been inclined to do. 

 It must be remarked that when a manufacturer of such dip can not speak 

 more highly of the chief ingredient of his compound than this one has 

 done in the above quotation, his remarks tend to discredit dips based 

 upon that ingredient. It might be added that Bruce, the chief inspector 

 of live stock for New South Wales, says, in respect to arsenical dips, that 

 "arsenic, and arsenic and tobacco (with fresh runs) cured 9,284 and 

 failed with 9,271." 



It may be said, on the other hand, that arsenic really has excellent scab- 

 curing qualities; it enters into the composition of a number of the secret 

 dipping powders and forms the chief ingredient in one of the oldest secret 

 dips used. This particular dip has been given second place (with some 

 qualifications) among the oflBcially recognized dips in South Africa. In 

 deference to the opinion of those who prefer an arsenical dip several 

 formulas are quoted here. 



Formulas for arsenical dips — Finlay Dun recommends the following: 

 Take 3 pounds each of arsenic, soda ash (impure sodium carbonate) or 

 pearl ash (impure potassium carbonate), soft soap and sulphur. A pint 

 or two of naphtha may be added if desired. The ingredients are best 

 dissolved in 10 to 20 gallons of boiling water, and cold water is added 

 to make up 120 (United States) gallons. The head of the sheep must, 

 of course, be kepi out of the bath. 



A moisture highly endorsed by certain parties consists of the follow- 

 ing ingredients: 



Commercially pure arsenic of soda pounds 14 



Ground roll sulphur pounds 34% 



Water gallons (U. S.) 432 



The arsenic of soda is thoroughly mixed with the sulphur before be- 

 ing added to the water. 



Precautions in use of arsenical mixtures — Any person using an ar- 

 senical dip should bear in mind that he is dealing with a deadly poison. 

 The following precautions should be observed: 



(1) Yards into which newly dipped sheep are to be turned should 

 first be cleared of all green food, hay and even fresh litter; if perfectly 

 empty they are still safer. (2) When the dipping is finished the yard 

 should be cleaned, washed and swept and any unused ooze should at 

 once be poured down a drain which will not contaminate food or prem- 

 ises used by any animals. (3) Dipped sheep should remain in an open, 

 exposed place, as on dry ground. (4) Overcrowding should be avoided 

 and every facility given for rapid drying, which is greatly facilitated by 

 selecting fine, clear, dry weather for dipping. (5) On no account should 

 sheep be returned to their grazings until they are dry and all risk of 

 dripping is passed. 



