200 Report on an Outbreak of Abortion, ^c, in the 
tributed among the principal sheep-farmers throughout the 
county : not only those who had, but likewise those who had not 
suffered by the affection. The object in seeking information 
from these two sources was with a view to comparing the results 
of different systems of management of the ewe flock, as practised 
by different flockmasters, and to determine, if possible, whether 
the disorder had its origin in a common or specific virulent 
cause. 
The general conclusions arrived at in the course of the in- 
vestigation were made known in a preliminary report, addressed 
to the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, in September last. 
In the present Report it is proposed to give a detailed account 
of the enquiry, with a view to show the basis on which those 
conclusions have been arrived at. The investigation extended 
to over 200 flocks ; but, owing to the questions submitted having 
been altogether disregarded by some, and insufficiently or in- 
definitely answered by others, the available replies were reduced 
to 10(5 ; these having reference to a total of 51,475 ewes. 
In the course of the enquiry it soon became evident that the 
cause of the disease, whatever it might be, was operative through- 
out the entire counly. On the High Wolds and Cliff range of 
Heath Hills, as well as on the low fens and marshes ; on the 
lightest and freest, as well as on the heaviest and stiffest of soils ; 
and on the porous sand and impervious clay, with all their 
intermediate forms of combination. 
With a view to acquiring a general idea of the area and 
extent to which the malady prevailed throughout the country^ 
14. How maBy cases have occurred? , 
15. Did the disease prevail equally in the early and late season ewes? 
16. State in what week or fortnight your greatest losses were experienced ? 
17. Over what period did the outbreak extend ? 
18. How many ewes have died or been destroyed on account of this disease? 
19. Was the disease more prevalent (A) amongst ewes with pairs, or singles? 
(B) amongst young ewes or old ones ? 
. 20. What was the state of the lambs when cast ? 
21. At about what period of pregnancy did the mishap occur ? 
22. Has your flock been exposed to any of the following causes, viz., fright, 
severe exertion, long fasting, offensive odours, injury, or ergotized grasses? 
23. Were roots supplied to your cattle from the same stock as those supplied to 
your sheep ? 
24. Has abortion or premature birth occurred in your cows, or other animal 
on the farm ? 
25. Mention the kind and daily allowance of manger food which your hoggs 
have received besides roots ? 
26. Has any disease prevailed in your oxen, fatting sheep, or hoggs during 
the past season, and, if so. of what nature ? 
27. To what extent has abortion prevailed in your sheep, during the five- 
seasons previous to the one just passed? 
28. Do you consider the disease contagious, and, if so, state your reasons for so 
thinking? 
29. State your opinion of the origin of the disease. 
