On the Uses of Salt in Agriculture. 105 



of applying those severe purges, to which they are at present sub- 

 jected. 



Cattle. The uses of salt to cattle are various. Besides increasing 

 the quantity, and improving the quality of their milk, as already sta- 

 ted, it prevents their having, when fed on clover, or on turnips ; the 

 tops of which have the same effects as clover, both on cattle and 

 sheep, when eaten in any quantity. 



Mr Curwen's experiments on this head, are most important. From 

 the 19th of November 1817, to the 3d of February 1818, he gave 

 salt to his cattle in the following proportions : 



Sort. 



Cows and breeding heifers, 



Young and fat cattle, 



Working oxen, 



Heifers and young oxen, 



Young calves, 



Number. 

 40 

 43 

 18 



20 



142 



Quantity per day, 



in ounces. 



The cattle are said to have been in the highest state of health, ever 

 since the use of salt was commenced ; no obstructions, or inflamma- 

 tions occurring as formerly, and not a single animal out of order. 



In some parts of America, they give salt to their cows, at the rate 

 of about two bushels per annum. 



In the East Indies they give salt to their bullocks, in general daily, 

 to the amount of two or three ounces, mixed with their feed of pulse. 

 A due proportion of salt they consider to be essential for their health, 

 and almost as necessary as food. 



Sheep. The advantages of salt to sheep, are very great. It im- 

 proves their wool considerably, as is experienced, both in Spain, and 

 in the Shetland Islands, where the pastures are so much impregnated 

 with sea spray. It likewise prevents the rot, and destroys the diffe- 

 rent sorts of worms which are found in the bodies of sheep, in parti- 

 cular, liver worms, (Fasciola hcepatica *). It is said to protect them 

 likewise from the scab. 



In Spain, they give 128 Ib. of salt to 1000 sheep in five months ; 

 but, in a wetter climate, like that of Great Britain, Lord Somerville 

 thinks, that a ton of salt, for every 1000 sheep, would be requisite. 

 It should be given them in the morning, to counteract the bad effects 

 of the dew. In dry weather, a small handful may be put on a flat 

 stone, or slate, and 10 or 15 of these slates or stones set a few yards 

 apart, are enough for 100 sheep. If the sheep are brought to the 

 place where the salt is put, they will lick it up quickly, if they find 

 a craving for it ; but if they do not want it, the salt may be taken, 

 up, and reserved for future use. This may be done twice a week, 

 but in particular cases it may be offered thrice f . 



Baron Scultz's Observations on Sheep. Communications to the Board of 

 Agriculture, vol. i. p. 318. 

 f Sir Thomas Bernard's Tract, p. 261. 



