206 
Report on an Outbreak of Abortion, S,-c. 
many consecutive hours, and required to be lifted up before 
they could be got to the troughs. 
From a full consideration of the foreging facts and circum- 
stances, I have arrived at the conclusion that the outbreak of 
abortion referred to in this Report was not produced by any 
special and particular cause ; but that it is to be referred to the 
concurrent operation of several hurtful influences of a common 
character. 
First and foremost stands the mischievous and fatal practice 
of feeding pregnant ewes exclusively on unripe watery roots, 
and especially on unwholesome filth-laden shells. 
Secondlv. — Pain and suffering caused by protracted " foot- 
rot." 
Thirdly. — Exposure to cold winds and heavy continuous 
rains. 
Fourthly. — Fatigue arising out of the deep and sticky state of 
the ground. 
Recommendations. — The above circumstances being taken into 
account, I have to submit the following recommendations : — 
1. That from the time ewes are placed on turnips to the time 
when they lamb down, they should receive a liberal amount of 
drv food, to be regulated according to the nature of the season 
and the condition of the roots. 
2. The quantity of roots should at all times be limited, and 
besides shells, a fresh break should be given every day after the 
hoar-frost has disappeared, and in the early spring the tops 
should be removed. 
3. Change from the fold to the open pasture twice or thrice 
a week, or for a few hours each day, if convenient, is desirable, 
and especially when the lair is bad. 
4. Protection from cold winds and driving rains should be 
provided in stormy weather. " 
5. Plenty of trough room should be provided, and ample 
space allowed for the ewes to fall back. 
6. All troughs should be shifted daily, and set well apart. 
7. Dry food should be given at the same time as the fresh 
break of roots, to prevent crowding at the troughs. 
8. Rock-salt should be at all times accessible. 
9. Animals suffering from " foot-rot," or other forms of lame- 
ness, should be removed from the fold, and placed on dry litter, 
and receive such other attention as the nature of the case may 
indicate. 
