116 



not always effectual. It is important, on the first appearance 

 of the disease, to separate immediately the sick from the healthy 

 portion of the flock. 



In all cases it is advised to cut away the diseased parts and 

 to make the foot as clean as possible. 1 shall give the prescrip- 

 tions of three of the largest and most successful managers of 

 sheep in the Union — H. D. Grove, of Hosick, N. Y. ; Dr. 

 Jarvis, of Claremont, N. H. ; and Sam. Grant, of Walpole, N. H. 



1. Use blue vitriol and tar. If the disorder is very severe, 

 use aqua fortis diluted with an equal quantity of water, and ap- 

 ply one or two drops to the lame part. In all cases the foot is 

 to be made as clean as possible. 



2. Use f lb blue vitriol, ^ lb verdigris powdered. Pour on 

 them one pint of strong vinegar made hot ; add J lb of soap. 

 Apply this to the feet, particularly between the hoofs, with a 

 sash brush. 



3. Take of tar, tallow, and sulphur, equal proportions well 

 mixed, and apply it to the foot. It forms a salve. It must be 

 sufficiently warmed to mix easily, but must not be made hot. 



4. The subjoined are the remedies of an experienced English 

 shepherd. 



" The lame sheep being separated from the rest of the flock, 

 the hoof must be cut away with a sharp knife (called a sheep- 

 foot knife by cutlers,) as far as the disease has spread, and which 

 may be traced by its becoming divided from the internal parts : 

 this must be particularly attended to ; for unless the sore is 

 probed to the bottom, no application will be of service. When 

 this is done, the subjoined ointment will often prove eff'ectual 

 at one application. It is wrong to use too strong a caustic, as 

 it dries up the surface too quickly and matter forms beneath. 



Blue vitriol half an ounce; gunpowder one ounce: — rubbed 

 together into a fine powder and mixed with hog's lard sufiicient 

 to make the whole into the consistency of a paste. 



5. vSugar of lead one ounce ; verdigris half an ounce ; blue 

 vitriol half an ounce : — formed into a paste the same as the 

 other." 



