PAEASITES OF THE SKIK. 229 



the passage of soft dung, mixed with mucus, which becomes 

 attached to the vent and tail, causing a very filthy condition ; and 

 the evidence of internal pain. The sheep finally dies greatly ema- 

 ciated. There is no means of prevention, as the eggs may be 

 dropped by rabbits, squirrels, skunks, and other wild animals 

 which frequent the fields. The treatment most effective is to 

 administer turpentine as follows : 



Linseed-oil 2 ounces. 



Spirits of Turpentine Va to 1 ounce. 



This should be repeated twice a week for two weeks. If this 

 is not effective, 3 ounces of the Powdered root of Male Fern 

 may be given. The dose to be repeated in one week. In six 

 hours after this is administered, a purgative of linseed-oil should 

 be given. The food should be of the best kind until the lost con- 

 dition is restored!. 



Tape- worms in any of their forms of life, affect only young sheep 

 and lambs. When sheep attain the age of two years they are safe 

 from them, and it is very rare indeed that one older than this be- 

 comes infested with them. 



Hair-worms in the Intestines. A species of " hair-worm " called 

 from its peculiar formation tricocephalus, is not uncommon in 

 sheep. It infests the stomach and intestines, causing obstinate 

 diarrhea, and rapid wasting of flesh. These worms burrow their 

 heads into the membrane lining the organs, and suck out the 

 juices. The irritation produces diarrhea, which submits to no 

 treatment while they remain. A cough is often present along 

 with the diarrhea. Other species of worms, of habits identical 

 with these, and producing the same injurious effects, also infest 

 the sheep, but more particularly lambs and yearlings. Salt in dosej 

 of half an ounce, given on alternate days with one dram doses o' 

 sulphate of iron, the salt being given on one day and the iron the 

 next, is a very sure remedy for this class of parasites, and the dis- 

 eases which result from their presence. To counteract the debili 

 tating effect of these parasites, the food should be of the most nu- 

 tritive and digestible character, and linseed in some shape should 

 not be omitted. 



PARASITES AND PARASITIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



Of the epizoa or external parasites of the sheep, the most formid- 

 able is the Scab insect, or Acarus scdbiei. This is a minute mite 

 which attaches itself to the skin and penetrates the surface, lodg- 

 ing itself in the tissues and causing intense irritation or itching, 



