AGRICULTURAL MUSUEM 219 



tjiis countrj' when used upon a larjfe scale ; from the cir- 

 cumstance of sheep eating less salt when depastured ia 

 limy or mariy soils, 1 was led to suppose that an econo- 

 mical substitute for pure salt might be made use of; with 

 this view, \ caused 12lb. of chalk to be pounded, sifted, 

 and kneaded in water, saturated with salt. This paste 

 being put in a trough, and dried in the oven, is placed in 

 one of the racks, to prevent the sheep from soiling it ; 

 to this, when in the fold, they have constant acccs,^ and 

 I believe, they have received from it e very 'benefit that 

 could be wished ; they lick it constantly, and the lambs 

 shew an uncommon partiality for it." 



We are all sensible of the effect of salt on the human 

 body ; we are told how unwholesome, and we know 

 how unpalatable, fresh meat and vegetabjes are without 

 it. The ancients held it in the highest estimation. " Om- 

 nis mensa male pouitur absque sale." We also know, the 

 avidity with which aninuils, in a wild state, seek the salt- 

 pans of Africa and America, and the dilBculties they will 

 encounter to reach them ; this cannot arise from acci- 

 dent or caprice, but from a powerful instinct within, which, 

 beyond control, impels them to seek at all risks, that 

 which is salubrious. In IJulland, the ancient laws or- 

 dained men to be keptot\ bread alone unmixed with salt, 

 as the severest punishment that could be inflicted in their 

 moist climate : the etiect was horrible, these wretched 

 cjiminals are said to have been devoured with worms, 

 engendered in their own stomachs. In Germany, we are 

 told by Count Ilumford, that salt is universally given to 

 oxen and cows in a fatting state, and that their prooi 

 is proportionate to the quantity given. 



In Sweden, in Saxony, in Siiesia, and in France, salt is 

 g'ven to sheep: it is considered a most important article, 

 and is strongly recommended. M. Daubenton says, 

 *' Salt gives them appetite and strength ; it warms them 

 and promotes digestion ; prevents obstructions, and dis- 

 sipates superfluous moisture, the cause of many of their 

 diseases.'"' They want it most, he says, when they are 

 languid, and out of order; which happens in fugs, in he a- 



