54° Journal of Agriculttire. [lo Aug., 1910. 



The simplest way to ascertain the capacity of any dipping bath is to 

 measure water into it through a tank of known capacity. First run into 

 the bath .sufficient water to float a sheep (30 inches) and keep a record of the 

 number of gallons required to do this by marking same permanently on 

 the side of the bath. Add water in i co-gallon quantities and mark each 

 loo-gallon level on the side of bath up to about 6 inches from top. It is 

 also advisable to keep a rod similarly marked in case the marks on the 

 side of bath become obliterated. 



SHEEP DIPPING. 



{Continued from page 52.) 

 H. W. Ham, Sheep Expert. 



As the construction of sheep dips is dealt with in the current issue, the 

 time is opportune for further reference to sheep dipping, particularly as, 

 up to the present, half the flocks of the State have not been dipped. 

 Moreover, with the coming into force of the Sheep Dipping Act, additional 

 information is necessary. 



Large dips, such as are used on station properties, are not suitable for 

 dipping farmers' flocks. Smaller dips that can be filled quickly and 

 emptied often and easily of foul wash, are preferable, for the reasons stated 

 later in this article. 



There are many excellent dipping preparations on the market. Every 

 man has his own particular fancy, and each will prefer to use his own 

 choice of sheep dip. Further, he will want to leave as little as possible 

 of the wash in the dip when finishing. In large dips too much is needed 

 in the bath before any sheep can be put through, and the same amount must 

 be left behind when the last sheep has been dipped. 



The clubbing together of farmers w^hen using large dips will very rarely 

 work satisfactorily. The flock that goes first has the advantage of a clean 

 and full bath. Again, Merino sheep with more wool on them than recently 

 shorn crossbreds will carry out the most wash. Some farmers bring sheep 

 right off the pasture and foul the drainer and subsequently the bath. Some 

 one must come last when the wash is foulest, and at its lowest level. 

 This latter disadvantage means much bruising and often broken legs. It 

 is also, as a rule, then late in the day and the sheep have no chance of 

 drying before nightfall — a very important point in successful dipping. 

 With properly constructed small dips each owner can choose suitable 

 weather and time, and leave very little wash for the next man to throw 

 out, which is necessary, especially if another preparation is used. 



There are .several designs of .sheep dips in use, and all have their advo- 

 cates, but the straight ahead form of swim bath about 3 ft. wide at the 

 '' slide in " end and 20 ins. wide at the " out slope " end, with sloping 

 sides to 10 ins. wide in the bottom, is found cheapest and easiest in con- 

 struction, whether of wood, stone or concrete. It is just as effective and 

 the sheep suffer the least hardship. 



For small holders portable iron dips are very suitable. They can be 

 moved at any time, if found necessary. This is an advantage when farms 

 are leased or in the case of a dispersion sale. Of course, large flocks are 



