254 PARASITIC DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



The entire cost of a dipping plant of this size should not ex- 

 ceed $150, and is a very necessary investment for the successful 

 raising of sheep. In the Western States, where thousands of 

 sheep are fed for the Eastern markets, every feeder has a dipping 

 plant close to or adjoining his feeding pens, so that on the first 

 sign of scab the affected sheep can be immediately treated before 

 the disease obtains much headway; and even where a few sheep 

 only are kept, and those mostly for breeding purposes, a dipping 

 vat is an indispensable necessity. The flock should be dipped at 

 least once a year and better twice to rid them of vermin, which 

 are the natural enemies of the sheep in its domesticated state. 

 Ticks, lice, etc., of which we shall treat later, are common pests 

 of sheep, and are best reached by thoroughly dipping the ani- 

 mals harboring them, 



Rand Drcsotngf for Scab. 



This can only be satisfactorily carried out when the flock is 

 composed of a few animals. It consists in catching the affected 

 ones and pouring a strong solution of a prepared dip along the 

 middle of the back, first parting the fieece into a furrow, and 

 also in the arm pits and flanks, any affected part is also thorough- 

 ly saturated with the mixture. A mixture of lard and turpen- 

 tine, or coal oil and lard is frequently used for an application to 

 the affected patches. This, however, while effectual in killing 

 the parasites, leaves a dirty black mark in the fleece, which re- 

 mains for months, besides frequently so cauterizing the skin as ta 

 cause it to slough, and in no way are the effects superior or 

 cheaper to an application of some standard preparation which by 

 reason of its mixing properties with water is easily applied and 

 does not leave any mark to show that it has been necessary to use 

 such an agent. It should be borne in mind that the pens in 

 which affected sheep have been kept are sources of contagion for 

 future outbreaks. When dipping sheep in feeding lots, the pens 



