SHEEP AND WOOL. 205 



swer every purpose. The ordinary proportion of 

 one cwt. of grease to a barrel of tar might be in- 

 creased to one and a half cwt., and, when melted to- 

 gether, the impurities of the tar might be suffered to 

 subside and be separated. In this way the tar might 

 not leave a stain upon the wool when secured. Ohve 

 oil seems to impregnate the wool, or to adhere to it 

 more firmly than any other greasy matter, and it has 

 been extensively and successfully used by some of 

 the best sheep-growers in the kingdom." 



In this country, smearing to benefit the wool has 

 not been generally adopted, though we think, where 

 the scab is apprehended, it might be advantageously 

 used. 



There are many diseases of sheep complained of 

 in Europe, and which frequently cause great loss to 

 their proprietors, with which wool-growers in this 

 country are, as yet, fortunately unacquainted. The 

 complaint called the scab is, however, extensively 

 disseminated in this country, and is yearly causing 

 more or less damage and loss. This disease is in- 

 fectious, and it rarely appears in a flock without a 

 considerable nuntlber taking it. It seldom originates 

 or spreads among sheep that have been smeared 

 with the tar ointment, but it is sometimes commu- 

 nicated to them from infected animals. Sheep that 

 have had poor food, and are consequently in a low 

 condition, suffer the most from this disease. The 

 tnie preventive is cleanliness and good keeping. 

 When a sheep is affected by the scab, the wool ap- 

 pears fretted or started from the skin, is discoloured 

 by a matter that seems to exude from the cracked 

 skin, and the animal is disposed to rub itself against 

 posts and fences. In ordinary cases, common smear- 

 ing salve or ointment, with the addition of a little 

 sulphur, will be found effectual. When the disease 

 is not very far advanced, an infusion of tobacco, in 

 the proportion of a pound to four gallons of water 

 and as many of urine, will effect a cure. The vork 



