The Rot in Sliecp. 
159 
<Iucocl from ova, cast daily out of the bodies of rotten sheep, 
and that the hatching process therefore goes regularly on vve(?k 
by week, we see the necessity for i're(]ucnt repetitions of salt in 
the same year, which could not fail to be highly injurious to 
the pasturage, and alst) to the soil of the retentive clays, where 
rot prevails. Repeated small dressings of lime we can conceive 
to be nearly, if not quite, as efficacious as those of salt in destroy- 
ing cercarici', and these would stimulate a growth of the better 
grasses, besides proving of permanent benefit to the soil. 
Our province, perhaps, is more with the science of medicine 
in the treatment and prevention of disease, than with the science 
or practice of agriculture ; but unless some knowledge of the 
latter accompanies tlie former, the veterinary pathologist will 
often fail in detecting the causes of disease, and therefore in 
rightly suggesting preventive measures. The fundamental prin- 
ciples of preventing the rot of sheep consist, as has been ex- 
plained, in the destruction of the liver-fluke in one or other of 
the several stages of its development from the egg to the perfect 
entozoon, and as an adjuvant to this, the science and practice of 
agriculture must be brought to bear. Veterinary medicine and 
agriculture are kindred sciences, and the closer their union, 
the greater will be the advantage derived by each. 
We must not, however, be drawn aside by descanting on an 
inviting theme of this kind, but rather conclude our exposition of 
the disease we have been investigating by remarking, that if we 
would save our sheep from rot, we must thoroughly under- 
drain our wet lands, and improve the condition of the soil and 
the quality of the herbage ; that we must well protect our sheep 
in seasons of excessive rainfall ; that we must provide for their 
nutrition by supplying them with a rich and generous diet — 
flesh-forming and heat-supporting — in proportion to the demands 
made on the system, and lastly, that we must exhibit those 
medicinal agents which experience has shown will effect the 
destruction of the liver-fluke in the earlier stages of its existence, 
and prior to its entrance into the biliary ducts. These means 
must be begun early, and not too hastily laid aside. Most of 
them have also a general application in providing for the well- 
being of the flock. 
Rightly may it be said with the poet of Mantua : — 
" On winter sccas we fewer storms behold, 
Than foul diseases, that infect the fold ; 
Nor do those ills on single bodies prey, 
But oft'ner bring the nation to decay, 
And sweep the present stock and future hope awaj^" * 
* Dryden's translation. 
