DISEASES OF. SHEEP 543 



after the dipping, have washed the dip out of the fleece upon the 

 pasture. (/) Its occasionally throwing sheep off their feed for a few 

 days after dipping, and so prejudicing the condition of the sheep. 

 (17) Its frequent effect upon the skin of the sheep, causing excoria- 

 tion, blistering, and hardness, which stiffen and injure the animal, 

 sometimes resulting in death. 



It may be said, on the other hand, that arsenic really has ex- 

 cellent scab-curing qualities; it enters into the composition of a 

 number of the secret dipping powders and forms the chief ingre- 

 dient in one of the oldest secret dips used. This particular dip has 

 been given second place (with some qualifications) among the. of- 

 ficially recognized dips in South Africa. In deference to the opinion 

 of those who prefer an arsenical dip several formulas are quoted 

 here. 



Formulas for Arsenical Dips. Finlay Dun recommends the 

 following: Take 3 pounds each of arsenic, soda ash (impure sodium 

 carbonate) or pearl ash (impure potassium carbonate), soft soap, 

 and sulphur. A pint or two of naphtha may be added if desired. 

 The ingredients are best dissolved in 10 to 20 gallons of boiling 

 water and cold water is added to make up 120 (United States) 

 gallons. The head of the sheep must, of course, be kept out of the 

 bath. 



A mixture highly indorsed by certain parties consists of the 

 following ingredients: 



Commercially pure arsenite of soda. ..... .pounds. . 14 



Ground roll sulphur do .... 34^2 



Water gallons (U. S.) . . 432 



The arsenite of soda is thoroughly mixed with the sulphur be- 

 fore being added to the water. 



Precautions in Use of Arsenical Mixtures. Any person using 

 an arsenical dip should bear in mind that he is dealing with a deadly 

 poison. The following precautions should be observed : 



(1) Yards into which newly dipped sheep are to be turned 

 should first be cleared of all green food, hay, and even fresh litter; 

 if perfectly empty they are still safer. (2) When the dipping is 

 finished, the yard should be cleaned, washed, and swept, and any un- 

 used ooze should at once be poured down a drain which will not con- 

 taminate food or premises used by any animals. (3) Dipped sheep 

 should remain in an open, exposed place, as on dry ground. (4) 

 Overcrowding should be avoided, and every facility given for rapid 

 drying, which is greatly facilitated by selecting fine, clear, dry 

 w r eather for dipping. (5) On no account should sheep be returned to 

 their grazings until they are dry and all risk of dripping is passed. 



Suggestion as to Danger. The arsenical formulas given above 

 are copied from the writings of men who have had wide experience 

 in dipping, but this Department assumes no responsibility for the ef- 

 ficacy of the dips given or for their correct proportions. Further- 

 more, as long as efficacious nonpoisonous dips are to be had, there is 

 no necessity for running the risks attendant upon the use of poison- 

 ous dips, 



