190 THE SHEPHERD'S MANUAL. 



Spsom Salts and Linseed Oil (always raw) are the most suitable 

 and effective. The action of stimulants given along with a purga- 

 tive is always beneficial. 



Stimulants, of which Ginger, Gentian, Aniseed, and Pepper- 

 mint-oil are the most usual and useful, restore the tone of the 

 stomachs and excite them to action, thus aiding in the operation of 

 the purgative, which might otherwise still further enfeeble them. 



Bleeding, when it is necessary in the outset of inflammatory dis- 

 orders or local excitements, should be performed by operating on 

 the veins under the eye (see fig. 76) or the ear ; the inside of the 

 fore arm is a convenient place ; when a large quantity is to be 

 taken, the jugular vein of the neck may be opened by first cut- 

 ting off some of the wool, pressing the vein with the finger, and 

 cutting it lengthwise never crosswise with a sharp lancet. Never 

 less than two ounces or a wine-glassful should be taken, and rarely 

 more than half a pint. 



In referring to the diseases hereinafter treated of, as far as 

 possible, the causes to which they may generally be attributed, 

 with the means of prevention, will be given. The remedies men- 

 tioned will be those to be given to a full-grown animal, for lambs, 

 one-half or less of the doses should be given, and for very young 

 lambs, still less should be given. 



The most prolific causes of disease are over-feeding, under-feed- 

 ing, irregularity of feeding, want of water, drinking impure water, 

 impure air, damp, and over-driving. If these were avoided there 

 would be but little complaint of the frequent troubles, difficulties, 

 and losses in keeping sheep. While they exist, medicine, at the 

 best, is but a temporary expedient, effective only during the time 

 in which extra care is used. When this care is allowed to relapse 

 the trouble will infallibly recur. 



CAUSES, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT, OF DISEASES 

 COMMON TO SHEEP. 



DISEASES OP THE RESPIRATORY ORWANB. 



Catarrh is very common during the fall, winter, and spring. It 

 will be found on close observation to be rarely absent in any flock. 

 In our diy climate, subject, however, to sudden changes of temper- 

 ature, catarrh, or cold, is mostly due to exposure to damp in open 

 yards, or to too hisrh a temperature in sheds or pens, rather than to 

 exposure to the weather |n open fields. Flocks that are more care- 



