HEAT A^^D FLIES. 599 



danger is to be apprehended from sheep being long exposed 

 to rain. But in winter, weak sheep are very liable. to be 

 affected by their fleece getting drenched with rain, without 

 an opportunity of drying themselves. When such, however, 

 is the case, they must be taken into a barn or shed, to enable 

 them to get dry, otherwise disease is sure to be induced. 



HEAT AND FLIES. 



In low and flat localities without shelter, sheep are fre- 

 quently subjected to the oppressive heat of the sun, and 

 likewise to the attacks of flies and various other tormenting 

 insects, and even when they have shelter in flats, still they 

 are not free from these pests. It is very common for these 

 insects to deposit their eggs at the roots of the horns, or 

 other parts about the head, as well as under the tail, which 

 in the course of time will change into the grub or larva 

 state. It is the duty of the shepherd to see that sheep are 

 free from these, and to destroy their eggs when he finds them. 

 This is most effectually done by the following ointment, which 

 he must apply on the places where eggs are deposited : — 

 Mercurial ointment . . 1 ounce. 

 Resin, finely ground . . 1 ounce. 

 Hogs' lard . . .3 ounces, 



Let the lard be melted in an earthen or other pot, and the 

 powdered resin added, and when properly incorporated, let 

 the ointment be put in, and the whole stirred until cold, to 

 prevent the mercury from falling to the bottom. A very 

 small portion of the above, well rubbed on the parts, will 

 have the desired effect. 



As a preventive, the head and tail may be rubbed with 

 the following composition : — 



Tar .... 1 pint 



Train-oil . . . ^ gallon. 



