SECTION III 



DISEASES OF SHEER 



INTRODUCTIOIf. 



The duties incumbent on the shepherd are of a most arduous 

 kind ; and he that performs them rigidly, even with a mo- 

 derate range of pasturage, will have little leisure time on 

 his hand. Sheep are accustomed to enjoy an ample district 

 of country for feeding, and being widely scattered, the shep- 

 herd has little opportunity of watching the condition of 

 their individual health. Some will natiirally be seized with 

 maladies, unobserved by the shepherd, and in many instances 

 die without being seen in some sheltered corner, where they 

 retire for quiet, when overtaken by disease. 



It is of great importance to have shepherds well versed 

 in the different complaints to which sheep are liable, and to 

 be able to distinguish the disease immediately on its earliest 

 appearance. The diseases are comparatively few, and these 

 in general well maT'ked. 



The sheep is not that stupid and defenceless animal 

 which many suppose him. In extensive mountain ranges, 

 where they but seldom see mankind, and where they are not 



