HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. [73 



this stock a second Bakewell. They are a grey-faced, active 

 sheep, hardy, and of sound constitution. The wool is short and 

 fine, and nearly of the same quality as the Ross Ry eland. Of late 

 years they have been so much improved by attention in breeding 

 them, as to become, in some instances, rivals of the Leicesters in 

 shape, weight, and early maturity. But between them, in fact, 

 there should be no rivalry. The long-woolled Leicesters are 

 adapted to the rich pastures of the county, from whence they have 

 originated, and to other counties equally rich and fertile. The 

 short-woolled South Downs are best suited to the lighter arable 

 districts, which is the character of the country from whence they 

 have come. They are both excellent in their respective qualities ; 

 and in the choice of either of these, the circumstances of soil and 

 situation should be the chief guide of the agriculturist. 



Disorders of Sheep. Those most common in this county are the rot, 

 the scab, the foot-rot, and the striking or dying in the blood. The 

 rot is supposed to be occasioned by feeding on wet lands, where the 

 animal licks up the spawn of the fleuk-worm (fasciola hepatica), 

 which insect creeps up the gall-ducts from the intestines, and preys 

 upon the livers of sheep. A spoonful of spirits, or oil of turpentine, 

 is a specific ; and to prevent the disease, drain the lands where 

 wanting, and let no sheep graze on water meadows in summer. No 

 danger is to be apprehended from the first frost to the return of 

 warm weather, the water in winter being too cold for these insects. 



The scab is a very troublesome disorder, and when got to any 

 considerable height, requires a good deal of pains and attention to 

 cure. The following is given as an effectual remedy : Take green 

 broom two good handfuls, tobacco, stone brimstone, saltpetre, and 

 bay salt, of each one pound, common salt two pounds, terebinthin- 

 ated balsam of sulphur half a pound ; boil all in five gallons of soft 

 water for half an hour, and rub a little on the parts affected. 



The foot-rot is to be cured by paring the hoof, cleaning out the 

 dirt and matter, and anointing it with butter of antimony. 



The striking or dying in the blood, is a very serious complaint, 

 and generally happens to sheep in a growing or fattening state, 

 often in turnips in winter, in clover in spring, and sometimes to 

 young fat lambs. To prevent this complaint, bleed the sheep in 

 the nostril about a week after they are put to good keep, and again 

 about a fortnight or three weeks after, and give to each two or 

 three spoonfuls of salt and water, made rather strong ; to lambs 

 one spoonful ; the ewes suckling lambs to be omitted. 



