94 SKETCHES OP RURAL AFFAIRS. 



common being to smear the part affected with tar, or 

 with weak mercurial ointment ; but most of the usual 

 remedies are more or less injurious to the wool, and must 

 be used with caution. In some places, sheep are regu- 

 larly smeared with a mixture of tar and butter before 

 winter, which destroys vermin, and protects from cold, 

 but hurts the wool : or they are, at an earlier season, 

 dipped in a bath filled with a poisonous mixture, which 

 appears to prevent the attack of flies and vermin. This 

 is usually done in July. Persons accustomed to the 

 task, dip the sheep one by one in this bath, taking care 

 to keep the head above the surface. 



There are many other diseases of sheep well known to 

 shepherds, but which, under their watchful care, are 

 frequently subdued or prevented. The shepherd should 

 be a man well trained from early childhood to look after 

 sheep ; his office is one of great trust, and he may save 

 or lose large sums for his master according as he takes 

 care of, or neglects, the valuable animals under his 

 charge. As we see him watching his flock, we are apt 

 to think he has not much to do ; but a good shepherd, 

 with a large flock constantly under his care, is never idle. 

 From early dawn to evening, he is in attendance upon 

 them, or providing for their wants. He walks to great 

 distances, has much fatigue and loss of rest in the 

 lambing season, and shares all the labours connected 

 with washing, shearing, marking, dipping, smearing, &c. 

 He is also the physician of the flock, and keeps his 

 medicines and remedies ready to be administered at a 

 moment's notice. But his greatest value to his master 

 is in his constant looking after the whole flock, so that 

 not one shall escape his notice. In Winter 



" Deep goes the frost, till every root is found 

 A rolling mass of ice upon the ground ; 

 No tender ewe can break her nightly fast, 

 Nor heifer strong begin the cold repast, 

 Till Giles, with pond'rous beetle, foremost go, 

 And scatt'ring splinters fly at every blow ; 



