176 FITTING SHEEP 



in that country. Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, South 

 Africa, all have had their troubles in grappling with this 

 terrible disease. Then our own great country has had an 

 experience along this line which has been anything but 

 pleasant. True, legislation has come to the aid of flock- 

 tnasters, but it is certain that the lime and sulphur decoc- 

 tions, such as are recommended by the officials in charge, 

 -are not doing the work that a good dip is expected to do in 

 eradicating the pest from the animal and leaving its fleece 

 and skin in a healthy and desirable condition. 



When a sheep is attacked with the scab mite it becomes ex- 

 ceedingly restless and soon becomes a most abject speci- 

 men of the woolly tribe indeed, is the very picture of mis- 

 ery. In its endeavors to rid itself of the tormenting pest 

 it bites its sides, scratches itself with its hind-feet, and other- 

 wise acts strangely in endeavoring to relieve itself of its 

 tormentor. The disease usually first makes its appearance 

 along the sides of the animal, eventually extending to the 

 neck and back, in fact it rapidly spreads all over its body. 

 A sheep that is attacked with scab, if rubbed on or in the 

 neighborhood of where the scab mite has taken up its abode, 

 will show its appreciation by moving its lips and even nib- 

 bling the hand of the operator, as if thanking him for afford- 

 ing the relief. 



Scab is a disease of a highly contagious nature, and one 

 that must be treated promptly and thoroughly as soon 

 as it is known to exist. The first thing to do is to 

 dip every sheep on the farm, or ranch, as the case may be. 

 Dip them thoroughly; don't dip them as if you wanted the 

 job hurried over and out of the way, but dip them as if you 

 were determined to eradicate the pest if thoroughness and 



