DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 141 



shepherds call it), and even trying to bite playfully those who 

 give them this satisfaction. It is, however, said that sheep 

 will also do the same thing when they are afflicted with red 

 lice. 



If the wool be parted so that the skin can be seen, prominent 

 spots or papules may be in the first instance observed. These 

 spots are of about the size of a lentil, and are pale or reddish 

 yellow. Little vesicles are developed on them, and then a small 

 crust or scab is formed. The little creature itself may be found 

 at a little distance among the fibres of the wool. If a little of 

 the scurf taken from a sheep sufifering from the complaint be 

 placed on a plate of glass, and be closely inspected by the aid of 

 a pocket lens, the scurf may possibly be seen to move. If then a 

 powerful microscope is brought to bear upon the object, the 

 identity of the minute but very harmful creature can be 

 established beyond doubt. 



Owing to the intense itching caused, sheep afflicted with 

 scabies evince a characteristic restlessness. They are constantly 

 rubbing themselves against posts or hurdles, gates, rails, or, 

 indeed, any object suitable and situated conveniently for the 

 purpose. They also endeavour to bite or scratch the affected 

 parts, as, for instance, with the hind foot. Consequently one 

 of the first signs of the malady is the presence of a dirty mark 

 in the region of the shoulder and neck, produced by the soiled 

 bind-foot being used for the purpose of scratching those parts. 

 As a rule, the back of the animal extending from the neck to the 

 tail is usually affected, as also are the sides of the body and the 

 shoulders, those parts, in fact, where the parasite can most 

 effectually shelter itself in safety. 



When the malady has made much headway, so great is the 

 irritation produced that the sheep may become well-nigh desperate, 

 and, in their vehement and frantic efforts to rid themselves of 

 their insignificant but insidious foe, they will tear off" great tufts 

 of wool with great violence, thus leaving bare white patches, 

 and so producing a very ragged and wretched or " trailed " 

 appearance. Here the wool may be matted together, while there 

 it may be absent, and in other parts it may be loose and easily 

 removable. Moreover, the skin becomes fretted and thickened 

 by the rubbing, an ichorous fluid is exuded, the vesicles meet 

 and become pustular, firm, and thick ; whitish crusts or scabs 



