566 MAXUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



mountain land, are seldom subject to this malady. On the 

 contrary, it has been ascertained that those fed on low, wet 

 pastures are liable to be attacked by this complaint. Bad 

 food has also been noticed to produce the rot. It has been 

 especially remarked to affect sheep brought from hill-pas- 

 tures to those which are damp and luxuriant, for the sake of 

 speedily fattening them. It is quite evident that the con- 

 stitution of the sheep is adapted to pasturage of a dry, 

 rather than of a succulent nature ; and experience has 

 shown, that in mountain districts the rot is comparatively of 

 rare occurrence. Sheep which are afflicted with this dis- 

 ease suddenly lose condition, even although they feed with 

 their accustomed appetite and regularity. It is an ascer- 

 tained fact, that rank grass invariably produces the rot in 

 sheep, and seems to act as a kind of poison to them. The 

 effluvia arising from marshy ground in summer is said to 

 generate this complaint. But whether the exhalations or 

 the moist rank food is the cause of it, is not yet kno^vn to a 

 certainty. One fact, however, is certain, namely, that where 

 sheep feed on salt-marshes, the complaint never occurs; and 

 in Lincolnshire sheep pastured in such localities are uni- 

 formly well fed, and in most excellent condition, and bring 

 high prices. 



Remedies. — Numerous prescriptions have been given for 

 the cure of this destructive complaint. But when taken at 

 first, it is comparatively cured without much difficulty. The 

 first object is to rid the stomach and intestines of their per- 

 nicious contents, by administering purgative medicines ; for 

 which purpose let the following laxative be given, by means 

 of an elastic tube, with a funnel-shaped cup at the extre- 

 mity :— 



Epsom salts ... 2 ounces, 

 Warm water . . 1-| gill. 



