212 SHEEP: BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



the two free tapes are passed on either side around the nose, 

 between the eyes and nostrils, crossed under the jaws, passed 

 through the two ear loops, and tied under the neck, just below 

 the ears. Thus the ear loops are strained downwards on the 

 cheeks, and the cap is held secure. 



MAGGOTS. 



That sheep may be literally eaten up by maggots is a known 

 fact. The disease for so it may be termed, being as much a 

 disease as any other external or internal parasitic distemper 

 is serious. It varies in intensity from a mere annoyance to a 

 fatal disorder. The flies which breed maggots are well known 

 to be viviparous, or to bring forth their young alive. The 

 maggots are thus deposited among dung, moisture, or dirt 

 adhering to the coat, and they soon make their way through 

 the wool to the skin. There they produce irritation, which is 

 invariably followed with redness, soreness, and exudation of 

 serous fluid. Thus a scald is established and the maggots, 

 by incessant effort, succeed in burrowing into the skin itself. 

 The sheep exhibits symptoms not unlike those we have de- 

 scribed above, when he is attacked by flies about the head. 

 He often assumes an attitude as though listening, his head is 

 lowered, his ears pricked forward, and his feet are placed near 

 together. Stamping, running, couching, and general unrest 

 are the indications which attract attention. Sheep affected 

 with maggots often lie apart from their fellows, and close to 

 the ground. They from time to time jump up, run, and throw 

 themselves down again. 



The mineral known as mercury stone quickly kills maggots. 

 Shepherds should always have a piece of this substance. It 

 is as convenient to carry as a piece of slate pencil, which it 

 somewhat resembles, and it may be purchased of any chemist. 

 To part the wool and thoroughly rub the parts affected with 

 mercury stone speedily kills the maggots, which ought, how- 

 ever, also to be brushed out by the hand until they are all got 



