332 LAMB DISEASE IN AMERICA. 



shepherd until they acquired strength to make the unusual 

 exertions required of them. In the same or other flocks, 

 another set of symptoms appeared. Strong healthy lambs a 

 week or two old suddenly lost the use of their legs to a 

 greater or less degree. Some hobbled about as if lame in 

 every foot ; others could scarcely walk. A portion grew no 

 worse, and after a few weeks recovered. A small number 

 became unable to stand even when placed on their feet; but 

 they continued to look healthy, fed heartily when assisted, 

 and, so far as my own immediate observation extended, most 

 of them gradually recovered when the weather became settled 

 and warm. 



" The local visitations of the epizootic of 1862 were quite 

 capricious. While many flocks of sheep of all grades in this 

 (Cortland) county wholly escaped its effects, much the larger 

 number were losers by it, in proportions varying from 10 to 

 90 per centum or practically to 100 per centum, for the few 

 that recovered in badly diseased flocks were of little value. 

 The average loss in the larger infected flocks was, I think, 

 about 50 per centum. My flock lost 40 per centum, my 

 son's 70, and a neighbour's 90." 



Referring to the causes Mr Randall says: "That our 

 flocks of sheep in New York were unusually confined during 

 much of the winter of 1861-2, is certain. Uncommonly 

 deep snows fell about the first of February, and though they 

 wasted away towards spring, their hard crusts prevented 

 sheep from straying from the immediate vicinity of their 

 stables. Many flocks scarcely moved fifty yards from their 

 stables during the last ten or twelve weeks of their pregnancy. 

 Their appetites were kept keen by the steady cold. The free 

 consumption of food, inaction, and advancing pregnancy, in- 

 creased their flesh, and these causes reacted and rendered 

 them perfectly contented in their confinement. Many flock- 



