PROPHYLACTIC MKASUUKS. 51 



That all the sheep arriving in the intervals between 

 the market-days, and all those turned out unsold, shall 

 be placed in lairs cspeeially provided for their reception, 

 and at a distance sufficient to preclude their being 

 mingled with oiu' sheep. 



That printed forms be issued to the salesmen, which 

 they shall deliver to the purchasers of any number of 

 the animals, directing the butchers to kill those bought 

 by them without any unnecessary delay ; and pointing 

 out to farmers and others the absolute necessity of 

 completely isolating the sheep for three weeks after 

 they arrive on their premises ; recommending also an 

 examination of them now and then during that period. 

 That if the disease should break out notwithstanding 

 the adoption of these precautionary means, the person 

 whose flock is affected shall send a report of the cir- 

 cumstance either to the Board of Trade or to some 

 officer appointed to investigate the matter, so that im- 

 mediate steps may be taken to confine the disease to 

 the farm or place, and to lessen its fatality among the 

 animals. 



We are well aware that this scheme is open to 

 objections : it is not, however, put forth to be acted 

 upon without modification, but to arouse attention to 

 the importance of doing something to preserve our 

 flocks from this dreadful scourge, seeing the imminent 

 danger to which they are daily exposed. 



Direct contact is not necessary to communicate vari- 

 ola ; and of this a proof occurred on the farm of Mr. J. 

 Weall, where a lamb became affected in consequence of 

 being handled by the shepherd, who at that time had 

 the care of some diseased Merinos. Several " contagious 

 maladies are known to pass from person to person. 



