I 



LIVE STOCK. 189 



tbem. Fields from which the com has been harvested afford them much 

 valuable pasturage, and they are always able to derive something for food 

 on places that would support no other a nima l. In saying this it is not in- 

 ferred that they require no care at the bam. They surely do, but require 

 less than may be supposed. 



They are also great renovators of the soil, scattering manure evenly and 

 pressing it in, thus improving the ground on which they feed. They multiply 

 rapidly^a small flock soon becoming a large one, and they produce profit in 

 three directions— wool, mutton and lambs. 



Tar the Noses of Sheep^— Tho months of July and August are the ones 

 when sheep in many localities are subject to a most aggravating annoyance 

 from a fly (oestrus Ijovis), which seems bound to deposit its lar^-» in the 

 nostrils. It infects wooded districts and shady places where the sheep 

 resort for shelter, and by its ceaseless attempts to enter the nose makes the 

 poor creature almost frantic. If but one fly is in a flock they all become 

 agitated and alarmed. They will assemble in groups, holding their heads 

 close together and their noses to the ground. As they hear the buzzing of 

 the Uttle pest going from one to another, they will crowd their muzzles into 

 the loose dirt, made by their stamping, to protect themselves, and as the 

 pest succeeds in entering the nose of a victim, it will start on a run, followed 

 by the whole flock, to find a retreat from its enemy, throwing its head from 

 side to side, as if in the greatest agony, while the oestrus, having gained his 

 lodging place, assiduously deposits its lars-ae in the iuner margin of the nose. 

 Here, aided by warmth and moisture, the eggs quickly hatch into a small 

 maggot, which carrying out its instincts, begins to crawl up into the nose 

 through a crooked opening in the bone. The annoyance is fearful and mad- 

 dening, as it works its way up into the head and cavities. 



The be.st known remedy is tar, in which is mixed a small amount of crude 

 carboUc acid. If the scent of the acid docs not keep the fly away he gets 

 entangled in the tar, which is kept sofl by the heat of the animal. Any kind 

 of tar or turpentine is useful for this purpose, and greatly promotes the com- 

 fort of the sheep, and prevents the ravages of the bot in the head. 



Increasing the Gro^rth of Wool. — The use of chloride of potassium is 

 recommended in Germany as a means of increasing the growth of wool on 

 sheep. Some German chemists have made experiments with the article, 

 proving that the growth of wool is promoted by its use. It is administered 

 in the proportion of one part of chloride to nine parts of salt. It not only 

 increases the production of wool, but improves the quality, and promotes 

 tlie general health of tlie animal, we are told; but the projior quantities •<> 

 administer are not stated. 



To Cure Polsonetl Sheep— Take rue leaves, as many as yon can grapp 

 between thumb and forefinger. Bruise them; sqtieeze the juice into a half 

 teacup of water, and drench the sheep with it. If the sheep are poisoned 

 Tery bad, drench the second time, which will never fail to cure. 



Crossing Merino on Common Sheep.^A Menno ram crossed on a 

 flock of common sheep will double the yield of wool through the first cross 

 alone, thus paying for himself the first season. 



