298 Sheep-Farming 



loss of wool. , In such cases, there will be found to be 

 small eruptions on the skin. Change the diet to a 

 more laxative and nitrogenous one and rub mercurial 

 ointment into the skin at the affected points. The 

 trouble will disappear when the flock goes to pasture. 

 Another cause of loss of wool is lying upon heating ma- 

 nure. Still another cause is parturient fever. The 

 treatment in both these cases is to remove the cause. 



Cotted wool. — Felting of the fleece is the result 

 of some constitutional disturbance, that checks the 

 natural flow of oil, thereby allowing the fibers to 

 felt. Any serious ill health that reduces the con- 

 dition of the sheep may be the cause. The only 

 remedy is to restore the sheep to good health. The 

 trouble may not appear another year. 



Administration of medicines. — Medicines should 

 never be administered through the nose. Fluid medi- 

 cines that it is desired should pass directly to the 

 fourth stomach should be administered with the shee-p 

 standing. Secure a long, slender-necked bottle and 

 a funnel that will fit it ; a graduated measuring glass 

 should also be provided. Let the sheep to be treated 

 back into a corner. Step astride of it and with the 

 left hand under the lower jaw elevate the mouth 

 just enough so that medicine will run toward the 

 throat. Insert the bottle in the side of the mouth, 

 taking care not to pour into the mouth at once more 

 than the animal can easily swallow. Fatalities 

 have resulted from gasoline passing into the lungs. 



