HYDROCEPHALUS. 369 



the biliary ducts of the ox, sheep, and goat, if swallowed 

 by young sheep, generate the hydatids or Sturdy. 



Conversely, if these hytatids are swallowed by the dog, 

 they are developed into tape-worms. Hydatids may be 

 prevented in sheep by curing or preventing tape-worms in 

 other animals, especially the dog. As before mentioned, 

 hydatids only affect young sheep, and spring from the 

 ova of the taenia. Herds managed without dogs are found 

 to be quite free from the disease; however, dogs may be 

 used with impunity when the sheep are upwards of 

 eighteen months old. 



Treatment. — (The following is from the Farmer and 

 Gardener, by the present writer.) — The treatment of this 

 infection, until lately, has been varied, barbarous, and 

 cruel; one practising and recommending the cutting and 

 pulling out the ears, and another of hunting the poor ani- 

 mals with dogs, and, if possible, running them over some 

 precipice, frequently maiming or killing them. A strong 

 knitting-needle forced up the nostrils has long been used, 

 with occasional success; but a small case of instruments, 

 consisting of four pieces, is much better and safer, and, 

 if properly used, will cure from seventy to eighty sheep out 

 of a hundred thus affected, and can be used by any intel- 

 ligent shepherd or farmer with perfect safety. In ope- 

 rating, observe carefully the side to which the sheep turns, 

 as it invariably turns to the side of the skull which is 

 affected, and which must be first operated upon. Secure 

 and tie fast all the four feet, and place the animal on a 

 table. Let your assistant sit down on the end of the table. 

 Clip away all wool from the brow, sides, and crown of the 

 head. Ascertain by the fingers, if the skull yields on 

 pressure at any particular spot on the side to which the 

 sheep turned : if so, shave the wool from the soft part. 



23 



