1904.] 



Maggots in Sheep. 



423 



days after the dipping. As a scab dip it proved effective, but it 

 seems to have had very little effect on the keds. The Report of 

 the Bradford Conditioning House on the wool was as follows: — ■ 

 " Slightly discoloured, washes well, good handle, lofty wool, staple 

 sound." 



In this connection it may be of interest to note that a dis- 

 cussion on the efficacy of this dip took place in the Legislative 

 Council of the Cape of Good Hope, when it was moved that 

 " the lime-and-sulphur dip is the only reliable and effective 

 remedy for the eradication of scab, and for that reason its use 

 should be made compulsory under the provisions of the Scab 

 Act." The value of the dip was generally admitted, and after 

 considerable discussion it was unanimously decided that the dip 

 should be strongly recommended under the provisions of the 

 Scab Act as a reliable and effective remedy. 



A considerable amount of evidence was laid before the De- 

 partmental Committee on Sheep Dipping to the effect that the 

 insects collectively known as " maggots " 



Maggots in cause much trouble and loss to flock-masters, 

 Sheep 



and several of the witnesses were of opinion 

 that these pests are now found at higher altitudes than formerly. 

 The Committee were not able to institute experiments to 

 determine the species, mode of life, prevention and eradication 

 of these insects, partly because the summer of 1903 was of such 

 a character that maggots were much less in evidence than 

 usual, so that conditions favourable to the conduct of experi- 

 ments were not presented. Much useful information was, how- 

 ever, obtained from various witnesses, who were generally agreed 

 that although dips of what may be called the carbolic type 

 may destroy maggots actually present on sheep, they do little, 

 if anything, towards warding off an attack. On the other 

 hand, there was practical unanimity as to the preventive effect 

 of sulphur, either dusted on dry, or conveyed to the fleece in the 

 form of a dip in association with some other substance. 



