Ewe-Flocks of Lincolnshire in 1883. 
203 
In endeavouring to make clear the causes giving rise to this 
outbreak, attention was specially directed to the following 
heads : — 1. The inception and progress of the disorder ; 2. The 
physical and geological character of the soil ; 3. The general 
health of the flock antecedent to the outbreak ; 4. The nature of 
the manurial dressings employed in turnip culture ; 5. The 
system of feeding and general management of the flock. 
As regards the inception and progress of the disease, and the 
relations of the physical and geological character of the soil to 
the prevalence of the epizootic, there is nothing further to add 
to that which has already been stated.. Of the general health 
of the ewe flock before the outbreak of abortion, the returns 
render a fairly satisfactory account in every respect, save and 
except as regards " foot-rot," " mud-rash," and " carbunculous 
disease of the feet and legs." In reference to the former 
affection, it is reported to have existed to a considerable extent 
during the autumn, and to have become seriously aggravated by 
the bad state of the ground and heavy rains which prevailed 
throughout the winter. Of the one hundred and six flocks 
already referred to, this disease prevailed to a greater or less 
extent in forty-five, comprising a total of 21,600 ewes. 
Of this number, 7800 lived exclusively on roots, the remain- 
ing 13,800 having besides either grass, corn, cake, or some 
other nutritive food. Of the 7800 confined to turnips, 22 per 
cent, aborted ; and of the 13,800 receiving more substantial 
aliment, only 6 per cent, were so affected. Comparison with 
the result of calculations, presently to be noticed, gives a clear 
charge against " foot-rot," in this connection alone, to the 
extent of 4| per cent. From these considerations it results that 
whatever may have been the essential cause in operation to pro- 
duce the malady, "foot-rot" must be regarded as an important 
determining influence, if not, in some instances at least, the 
actual cause of the affection. That animals should give up the 
fruits of conception when tortured by the pain and suffering 
which extensive and unprotected ulcers of the feet necessarily 
• entails, is no matter for surprise ; and especially when, as in 
the present case, they are worn down by exposure, fatigue, and 
the pernicious influence of a cold and ungenerous diet. " Mud- 
rash," or inflammation of the skin of the legs and belly, I am 
informed, caused much suffering. In the worst cases, the legs 
were swollen and denuded of wool, and not unfrequently exco- 
riation and ulceration of the skin existed over a large surface. 
A similar condition, in some instances, extended along the 
under surface of the belly and over the internal aspect of the 
arms and thighs. Ewes, following closely folded hoggs, on deep, 
strong, retentive land, fared badly. 
II 
