190 CONFINING RAMS. 



found these applications sufficient, I have not experimented 

 with others. Spirit of tar is said to be more effective than 

 turpentine. A flock-master who is an excellent practical 

 shepherd writes me that he has found that "two ounces of 

 corrosive sublimate in a quart of any spirits that will dissolve 

 it" is a sure remedy in such cases ; and that the flies will not 

 return to a wound to which it has been applied.* 



Prevention here, as in most other cases, is much the best 

 remedy. There is no excuse for leaving a horn pressing on 

 the head, or wool under the horns. Rams should be smeared 

 back of and between the horns immediately after shearing, 

 with tar and turpentine, or with fish oil, to repel the flies in 

 case the skin becomes broken. A ram attacked by maggots 

 will soon show it by his rapid emaciation and by his agonized 

 movements, but the mischief has then proceeded to a serious 

 extent. When rams fight, or when it is necessary to keep 

 them in considerable flocks together, they should be frequently 

 examined: and it would be labor well spent to renew the 

 smearing of fish oil on their heads once a fortnight through 

 the months of July and August. 



Maggots are sometimes generated under adhering dung 

 on the breech. They are to be removed and the same 

 remedies applied. Maggots in the feet will be mentioned 

 under the head of Hoof -Rot. 



CONFINING RAMS. It is not often that a properly trained 

 ram gives much trouble by leaping good fences particularly 

 if he is allowed one or two companions. But it is not very 

 safe to allow very valuable grown rams to run together, 

 even if acquainted and ordinarily peaceable. Nobody can 

 tell how soon a sudden and fatal battle between them will 

 occur. A choice ram should only be mated with a weather 

 or two, or after lamb-weaning with some ram lambs. I 

 would sooner, if necessary, build a high board fence round a 

 sufficient enclosure for stock rams, than hopple or clog them. 

 Hoppling, when resorted to, is effected by fastening a leather 

 strap around a fore and a hind leg, just above the pastern 

 joints, leaving the legs about the natural distance apart. 

 The ends should be broad enough not to cut into the flesh. 



* My informant is Mr. Prosper Eli thorp, of Bridport, Vermont. He considers it 

 much more effectual than turpentine in continuing to repel the attack of flies. It is 

 soluble in two and a third parts of alcohol. It dissolves in about 20 parts of cold 

 water, and in three of boiling water. But a boiling saturated solution deposits it 

 again in crystals after cooling. Applied externally it is an active stimulant and caustic 

 and has been much used with other substances in applications to ill-conditioned ulcers 



