102 The Shepherds* tjuic/c* 



of oil of vitriol, diluted with twice its weight of 

 water ; or what perhaps is better, with the same 

 quantity of sweet oil, or train oil. These should 

 be put on with a feather, the part covered with a 

 pledget spread with tar ointment, Gowlard's ce- 

 rate, or mercurial ointment ; the whole kept on by a 

 linen cloth and moderate bandage. After this, the 

 animal is to be kept quiet for some days, during 

 which the foot is to be daily dressed in the same 

 way, until the sore appears clean and sweet, and 

 then only with the ointment until it is healed : of 

 which we must be v.-ell assured before we turn the 

 sheep back again to the flock. 



Sturdy, It is supposed we have this disease, 

 occasionally among us, though I believe it never 

 has been proved by actual dissection. A sheep 

 attacked v.'ith it ceases to improve, becomes dull, 

 and separates from the flock, its sight appears to 

 be impaired and indistinct ,* the eyes glare, the 

 animal sometimes becomes blind, starts at any 

 noise, runs furious without aim, loses the power 

 of standing, and is perfectly emaciated. 



The cause, discovered by dissection, is found to 

 be a collection of water : in the milder species of 

 the disease, in a bladder on the top of the brain, 

 near the skull ; over which the skull is found to 

 be remarkably soft, so as to yield to the pressure 

 of the finger. In the more fatal species, the water 

 is collected in the natural cavities, or in the sub- 

 ^tnnce of the brain itself. The only cure is to let 



