DISEASES OF SHEEP. 307 



the proportion of each case. As some diseases affect only young 

 lambs, it is to be understood that the quantities are for them 

 specifically, when they only are mentioned. 



The list of diseases are taken up alphabetically, which will be 

 the most convenient arrangement. If the list of symptoms is 

 first referred to, the disease indicated will then be found in its 

 place, with the needed treatment described. 



Before entering into the list of diseases it may be well to dis- 

 cuss that most important of the medical management of the ewes, 

 which applies to the birth of lambs. The scientific name of this 

 natural function is parturition. 



PARTURITION OF THE SHEEP. 



Ordinarily the ewes give birth to the lambs in the Spring. 

 This is the most convenient time of the year in general, but in 

 some instances, now, the lambs are desired much earlier, and in- 

 deed with the Dorsets, they are expected late in the Fall or early 

 in the Winter. As a rule it is most profitable to have the lambs 

 early, that is from the New Year on, until the early Spring. This 

 is a convenient time, for the lambs are weaned in good season for 

 the early fattening of the ewes, expected to be sold, and the lambs 

 may be ready for market two months earlier than later ones, 

 while they may be made to w r eigh ten or fifteen pounds more 

 without any greater cost of feeding when the usual time of dispos- 

 ing of them arrives, towards the end of the season. 



A weak ewe is always in more or less trouble at this time 

 than those that have been duly prepared for the occasion by 

 good care and feeding. The birth of a lamb is always easy when 

 the ewes are strong, and there is ample milk for rearing the 

 young things, which are really hardy; and once on their legs and 

 having a drink of milk, are then about past all risk if due shelter 

 is given them in severe weather. The absence of this shelter ia 

 a very costly instance of want of thrift on the part of the shep- 

 herd. A lamb is a small thing, but as he who takes care of his 

 cents saves his dollars, so this old true proverb applies to this; 

 and every lamb lost is just so much money out of pocket. 



As the time for the appearance of the lambs approaches, 

 and this is to be known by reference to the record to be kept 

 by every shepherd, the most forward ewes should be separated 

 into yards with pens attached, and a close watch kept over them. 

 The indications of approaching lambing are the filling of the udder, 

 and later the deeper color and swollen condition of the vulva. 

 When these conditions are perceived the ewes should be brought 

 into the enclosures around the pens, and watched if the weather 

 is at all severe, and especially if it is raining; for a cold rain wi'l 

 kill a new born lamb that will easily withstand a temperature half 

 way to zero, if it is dry. 



Sheep are willful and obstinate, and unless controlled in some 

 way they cannot help, they will give trouble. So that every pro- 

 vision should be made to have things so arranged that they cannot 

 help but do precisely what is wanted of them. It is a rare thing 



