Etce-Flochs of Lincolnshire in 1883. 
201 
letters of enquiry were forwarded to a large number of veteri- 
nary surgeons in different counties, and I personally interviewed 
all, or nearly all, the shepherds attending exhibits at the Smith- 
field Club Show. 
From returns made by the former and information gained 
from the latter, the inference may be drawn that, although abor- 
tion and premature birth in ewes were more or less general 
throughout the country, there was no corresponding prevalence 
of the affection to that which occurred in Lincolnshire. The 
losses experienced in this county, however, were not solely 
confined to the two forms of mishap above referred to. 
A third group of cases occasioning considerable mortality 
comprised ewes at their full time, which either gave birth to 
lambs recently dead, or so weakly and ill-nourished as to die 
shortly after birth ; the ewes themselves either dying from 
exhaustion, or continuing for some time after parturition in a 
state of extreme prostration and weakness. 
The first appearance of the outbreak dates from the latter 
part of the month of December, when isolated cases only 
occurred here and there. As the season advanced, the disorder 
became more and more general until the middle of February. 
From this time to the middle of March the mortality reached 
its highest point, subsiding gradually towards the end of the 
lambing season. The subsidence of the malady at this time 
is spoken to by some as occurring about the time when the 
weather became frosty, and the lair drier and firmer. 
The onset, symptoms, and course of the disease varied ia 
different cases. In some, abortion was preceded by a marked 
falling-ofF in condition, extending over seven to twenty-one 
days. In these cases there was o growing state of weakness. 
The fleece lost its lustre, and became staring and hard to the 
touch. The eyelids drooped, and the face wore an expression 
of dulness and want of life. The appetite, at first fastidious, 
became more and more indifferent, and ultimately food was 
altogether refused. 
During this time the animal isolated itself from the flock, the 
sides of the body fell in and lost their characteristic roundness ; 
while the belly, increasing in depth, hung in a lax, pendulous 
condition, as if having lost its support. 
Sooner or later straining was superadded ; but, owing to loss 
of muscular energy, the throes were feeble and ill-sustained. 
A reddish black stinking discharge issued from the vagina, 
and with it a small dark putrid foetus sometimes escaped. With 
the increasing prostration there was inability to rise, palpitalioa 
of the heart, and a quick shallow breathing. The head was 
thrown from side to side, and the teeth were forcibly " ground." 
