CHAPTER XXVII. 

 DIPPING. 



The dipping of sheep is not compulsory in some 

 countries, but where it is increased production of wool 

 and excellence of mutton are prominent features. 

 Although certainly not accountable for it in full, it may 

 be stated that the wool production per head in non- 

 dipping countries is as low as even 2 Jib. average per 

 sheep, and in countries where dipping is general it is 

 as high as nearly 81b. average per sheep. Dipping is 

 rightly compulsory in New Zealand, and it is only a 

 matter of tiine when it will become so in all countries of 

 pastoraj and agricultural stability, and where sheep 

 farming is followed on business or commercial lines. 



The sheep cannot be expected to contentedly dispose 

 itself to thrive on the pasture when under the thraldom 

 of irritating parasites, to which, of all animal covering, 

 wool gives the finest sanctuary. If insect pests impel 

 the sheep towards restlessness, it will manifestly fall 

 short of its maximum capacity of wool and mutton 

 growth. The fence and shepherding have domesticated 

 the sheep and made it a more social animal. Its fore- 

 fathers lived a free and roaming life under a more 

 natural state. The sickly ones dropped out quickly as 

 unfits ; but under modern conditions a sickly sheep, or 

 a dirty one, infects the other members of the flock, and 

 parasites are quickly passed from one to another. The 

 sheep's health for many troubles can be avoided by 

 cleanliness obtained in dipping upkeep of condition, 

 and contentment, and therefore mutton and wool pro- 

 duction, are improved by proper dipping. There is no 

 argument in favour of taxing the sheep with the main- 

 tenance of any other life but its own, and the animal in 



