-212 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



perhaps, I may be permitted to allude to the peculiar structure 

 of the sheep's foot, and to some of his habits, which, in my 

 opinion, induce an extensive, and more equal distribution of 

 this valuable fertilizer than of that from any other animal, and 

 which also leads to the deposition of the largest quantity of it 

 just where it is most needed. 



" The delicate and sensitive arrangements of the internal por- 

 tion of the sheep's foot are protected by a hard, horny substance, 

 somewhat resembling the nail on one's fingers, which extends 

 in a thin layer around the outside of each division of the foot, 

 past the toe and turning inward nearly half way to the heel. 

 This nail-like substance, in its natural condition, is worn down 

 nearly even with the bottom of the hoof, and presents an imper- 

 vious outside coating for the foot and a firm, blunt edge for it 

 to rest upon. But this horny substance or edge is constantly 

 growing, as the thumb nail grows, and if the growth is not 

 removed, will project below, and usually turn under the rest of 

 the foot, causing great inconvenience in locomotion, and serving 

 as a receptacle for earth, gravel or filth which is uncomfortable 

 and unhealthy, and liable to work througli openings that may 

 be formed within the hoof to the more sensitive portions, pro- 

 ducing ulcers, or other sores which ultimately lead to the 

 dreadful disease known as 'foot-rot'; or the edges may be 

 broken off irregularly to the quick, as one's nails are sometimes 

 broken to the tender flesh, producing similar sores and tending 

 to the same result. 



" I have known a sheep, when confined in narrow limits, on 

 straw bedding, and the feet neglected, to have a growth of 

 nearly an inch in length, of this substance, in a single winter, 

 which almost ' upset her understanding.' 



" When confined in soft, marshy pastures, or in rich, fertile 

 pastures which are very smooth and free from stones, there 

 is little opportunity for sheep to keep their hoofs worn down 

 to the natural condition, and if not regularly trimnied or 

 pared by hand, inflammation, ulcers and foot-rot frequently 

 follow as a natural consequence. Such pastures, therefore, 

 being unsuitable for sheep, will not be improved by them, 

 unless the sheep are fed upon them only a few days at a time, 

 while they have access to a more congenial range most of the 

 season. 



