370 DISEASES OF THE SHEEP, 



some of its functions. It is exceedingly deficient both in the 

 powers of secretion and absorption ; or rather there are cir- 

 cumstances about it which materially limit the action of these 

 functions ; and, as it were, confine the office of the skin to 

 the production and the support of the fleece. It is surround- 

 ed by a peculiar secretion, adhesive and impenetrable to mois- 

 ture — the yolk — destined chiefly to preserve the wool in a soft, 

 pliable, and healthy state. 



There can be little cutaneous perspiration going forward 

 from the skin of the sheep, and there are consequently {evi 

 diseases that are referrible to change in this excretion ; and, 

 on the other hand, little or no advantage can be derived from 

 an increase of it, as indicating a salutary direction of the fluids, 

 or relieving other and dangerously-congested parts. There 

 is likewise less expenditure or radiation of animal heat, both 

 on account of the interposition of the yolk, and the non-con- 

 ducting power of the wool. The caloric disengaged from the 

 sheep is about the seventh part of that of a man. This is a 

 wise and kind provision of nature, well explaining the means 

 by which the animal is enabled to endure many hardships 

 from vicissitudes of weather. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



Scab, Erysipelas, Johnswort-scab, Pelt-i'ot, Sore Mouth, 

 Maggots. 



SCAB, OR ITCH. 



This disease of the skin is exceedingly common among 

 sheep almost all over the civilized world. According to Mr. 

 Youatt, there are several varieties of it. " A sheep is occa- 

 sionally observed to scratch himself in the most furious man- 

 ner, and with scarcely a moment's intermission. He rubs 

 himself against every projection of the fence, and of every 

 post, and the wool comes off from him in considerable flakes. 

 When he is caught there is no appearance whatever of cutane- 

 ous disease.'" Mr. Young says, that " the sheep rub them- 

 selves in all attitudes — they have clear skins without the least 

 sign of scab — never observed that it was catching — and the 

 better the food the worse they become." 



Treatment. — The sheep should be caught and housed, 

 shorn as closely as possible, washed all over, and most care- 



