644 



Flockmasters have found salt licks extremely useful in keeping 

 their sheep healthy. At iirst rock salt was generally used for this 

 purpose, but of late Liverpool salt, sea salt, and salt from salt lakes 

 have come into use, and are generally preferred. In some cases 

 sulphate of iron and lime are added to the salt with great 

 advantage. I know of a flock of sheep in a decomposed granite 

 country (which is generally regarded as not healthy), which has 

 been kept in excellent health for many years through the sheep 

 being constantly supplied with a lick composed of the following : 

 Sulphate of iron, 6 Ib. ; lime, 6 Ib. ; crushed salt, i cwt. 

 The whole is thoroughly mixed, and supplied to the sheep 

 in troughs, which are protected from the rain by a small 

 roof. Many licks are used, but the one given has stood the test of 

 a long experience in doubtful country, and can therefore be confi- 

 dently recommended. Sheep should always have the opportunity 

 of taking salt. From the very earliest times salt has been regarded 

 by husbandmen as a great factor in keeping sheep and cattle 

 healthy ; therefore, it is advisable to keep sheep and cattle always 

 well supplied with salt. 



FOOT ROT. 



This disease is very common among merino sheep when kept 

 on a rich soil country with abundant pasture. Of old it was 

 common in the richer coastal districts of western Victoria, but that 

 part of the country has long since been given up to the longwool 

 breeds, which are not so susceptible to the disease. When the 

 sheep were shepherded it was common, but in Victoria it readily 

 yielded to treatment. A strong solution of bluestone is an excellent 

 remedy. When sheep were dipped in arsenic for scab it was 

 found that the dipping cured those sheep that were suffering from 

 foot rot. This led to the use of troughs to run the foot rot sheep 

 through a strong solution of arsenic. The strength used was about 

 \ oz. of arsenic to a gallon of water. Some sheep farmers use 

 double the quantity of arsenic. In treating the sheep for foot rot 

 it is necessary to pare away every portion of the diseased hoof, so 

 as to expose the disease thoroughly to the action of the remedy. 

 Sharp knives must be used to avoid wrenching the sheep's foot 

 and causing unnecessary pain to the animal. A little knowledge of 

 the anatomy of the sheep's foot is necessary to make good work ; 

 but tins is soon acquired by an intelligent man who wishes to learn. 

 Cutting the large vein of the toe must be carefully avoided, as the 

 bleeding is difficult to stop, and the slightest blow will cause it to 

 bieak out afresh. When sheep have been left with long hoofs till 

 the heat has hardened the horn they should be shortened by using 

 the powerful seccateurs made for the purpose, and sold in most of 

 the leading ironmongers 1 shops in Australia. 



During the last ten years foot-rot has invaded Riverina, and in 

 that district, particularly on the rich lands bordering the river 

 Murray, it has proved very intractable. The ordinary remedies, 



