SEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X. 521 



Dimensions — The dimensions of the various parts given in the follow- 

 ing descriptions may be varied according to the breed and the number 

 of sheep to be dipped. Dipping liquid will be saved by making the tub 

 much narrower on the bottom than at the top. On top, simple oblong 

 dipping tanks vary from 1 foot 9 inches to 3 feet in breadth, 2 feet or 2 

 feet 6 inches forming a convenient medium. Floors vary from 6 inches 

 to 3 feet in width, 9 inches forming a good working medium. Depth 

 varies from 3 feet to 5 feet 6 inches, 4 feet to 5 feet forming a convenient 

 medium. If calves are to be dipped in the same vat it will be best to 

 make the tub 5 feet or 5 feet 6 inches deep. 



In sinking the tub in the ground it is always well to have the top of 

 the tub 9 inches above the ground line. It is also well to sink one end 

 (where the sheep are thrown in) slightly lower than the other end, as 

 this will make it easier to empty and clean the vat. 



Crutches or forks — In using large vats, crutches or dipping forks are 

 necessary, and even with small vats are useful. Crutches should be 5 or 6 

 feet long. The handle should be strong (rake handles are a little too 

 light). One end is provided with an iron ferrule, into which the bent iron 

 is inserted. The iron should be one-half inch round or three quarters inch 

 half round. 



Gauges — The capacity of tubs should be plainly marked on the side 

 every 3 or 6 inches in order to correctly measure the amount of liquid. 



SMALL PORTABLE VATS FOR SMALL FLOCKS. 



If no regular dipping vat is at hand a good-sized tub may be used. 

 Dipping in this manner is slow and tedious, but may be resorted to in case 

 of necessity, as, for instance, when a few sheep are bought from another 

 flock which is not known to be absolutely free from scab. If care is taken 

 to dip thoroughly the dipping may be done as effectually in such tub as it 

 ojuld be done in a large vat. Recourse to ordinary tubs is not advised, 

 however, when it is possible to use regular dipping vats. Lambs may, In 

 case of necessity, be dipped in troughs. 



A small portable vat is suitable for use in dipping small flocks. When 

 not in use this vat may be conveniently stored away. An advantage con- 

 nected with this vat is that it may be conveniently drawn from place to 

 place as desired. The dimensions may be varied, according to individual 

 taste by making the vat longer, broader or deeper. A convenient size will be 

 9 feet by 214 feet broad at the top, 9 inches broad at the bottom, and S^o to 

 5 feet deep; the floor measures 9 inches broad by 4 feet long; from 1 foot 

 above one end of the floor a slant with cross cleats rises to the top and end 

 of the vat. The sheep are dropped in by hand, one at a time, at the deep 

 end, and after being held in the dip for two minutes are allowed to leave 

 the vat at the slanting end. They are held a moment on the slant to allow 

 them to drain off, thus economizing in dip. A gate may be placed at the 

 deeper part of the slant if desired, in order to save labor. This gate should 

 swing toward the exit of the vat. Such a tank may be of li4-inch pine 

 boards, with tongue and groove, and should be well pitched or painted. 



This plan of vat may be easily modified, if desired, so as to have a small 

 dripping platform attached. In this modified plan an inclined platform is 

 added to the vat and removable skeleton box is made to fit over it. While 



