THE SUEKP. 197 



a tcaspoonful or two should be added to some warm water, together 

 with half an ounce of salts and a scruple of ginger, and given every six 

 hours, till good etfects result. We can hardly call this a cordial medi- 

 cine. Its effects, setting aside the Epsom salts, are chemical, and the 

 same observation applies to chloride of lime given internally in cases of 

 hoove. Its dose in the shop is about half a drachm. As a disinfectant 

 and cleanser of foul ulcers, a solution of chloride of lime, applied exter- 

 nally, and used freely as a wash, is invaluable. 



chloride of Lime. — For its properties, see above. A solution of chlo- 

 ride of lime, for washing infected sheep-cotes, ulcers, etc., may be made 

 with half an ounce of powder dissolved in a gallon of water. Taken 

 inter*^ ly in hoove, it acts chemically as a cordial by secondary effects. 



CarbuliatC (sesquiearbonate) of Soda.— Carbonate of soda is an antacid, 

 and useful as a component in cordial draughts, where the correction of 

 acidity in the stomach is desirable. Dose, about a drachm. 



ASTRh\GE.\TS. — Astringents are medicines which act upon the raucous 

 membrane of the alimentary canal, and check diarrhoea. They consist 

 of lime, or chalk, opium, catechu, etc., and are always combined with 

 cordials. Of lime, or rather chalk, little need be said ; it is given in 

 doses of either half a drachm or a drachm. Of opium, we have already 

 spoken. 



Catechu. — This is an extract from a tree of the acacia tribe, and is 

 very valuable. Dose, a scruple. 



The following is a useful astringent cordial for sheep and calves : — 

 prepared chalk, one ounce ; powdered catechu, half an ounce ; powdered 

 ginger, two drachms; powdered opium, half a drachm; mucilage or gum- 

 water, thick, two ounces ; peppermint-water, six ounces. Mix. Dose : 

 two tablespoonfuls twice a day. 



AlUQl. — Alum is not often used in the treatment of sheep. Its dose 

 is ten or twenty grains, according to age. The "sheep's cordial" ren- 

 ders it unnecessary. 



EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS.— Setons are seldom used in the treatment 

 of the diseases of sheep, and the wool prevents blisters from taking 

 effect. With respect to chloride of lime, as we have noticed it under 

 the head of cordials, we need not repeat our observations relative to its 

 value as a disinfectant and cleaner of foul, sloughing fetid ulcers, when 

 properly diluted with water (half an ounce to the gallon). The following 

 external applications require a brief notice : — 



Poultices. — Those of linseed-raeal are best; it is often advantageous 

 to mix with them a little chloride of lime, especially if they be applied 

 to foul ulcerations. In accelerating suppuration, a little turpentine is a 

 useful addition. 



Stimulants. — Turpentine, camphorated oil, and hartshorn, form a good 

 embrocation, useful in strains and chronic rheumatism. To two ounces 

 of camphorated oil may be added an ounce of turpentine, and half an 

 ounce, or even an ounce of hartshorn. 



Olntmeuts and Lotions, etc. — Mercurial Ointment, when rubbed down 

 with five or seven parts of lard, forms a ^ afe and almost certain cure for 

 the scab. White Lead is often sprinl-' "er the part struck by the fly, 

 in order to destroy the maggots bu. the skin. It is superseded 



4o 



