66 SHEEP DISEASES. 



up appearance of the abdomen, and the seeking of 

 a lonely spot in which to lie down, clearly point 

 out the invasion of some disorder. Other symp- 

 toms, more or less marked, give us a clue to the 

 actual trouble, although in many cases where there 

 is no history to guide one, the diagnosis must be 

 made largely by exclusion, or from a postmortem 

 examination of some animal similarly affected. 



Handling. 



Catching a sheep for examination is often per- 

 formed incorrectly or carelessly. Grabbing a 

 sheep by the wool often causes a bruise that may 

 persist for months. Nothing else makes quite 

 so unfavorable an impression upon the experienced 

 sheep man as lunging wildly at an animal, and 

 going through unnecessary antics in attempting 

 to catch it. 



As strangers frighten sheep, it is a better plan 

 to have the one accustomed to taking care of the 

 flock catch the animal desired. If this is not pos- 

 sible, drive the sheep into a small enclosure and 

 grasp the flank, just over the stifle. 



To set it on its rump, place the left arm around 

 the sheep's neck and hold the right forearm of 

 the animal with the left hand. With the right 

 hand reach under and grasp the right hind leg 

 above the hock. Pulling it against one's breast 

 and exerting a little traction on the hind legs, the 

 sheep will be raised on its rump easily, and ren- 

 dered powerless to struggle. 



Leading a sheep is a simple matter when done 

 correctly, although some Merinos will be found 



