140 
TAPPING FOR THE DROPSY IN SHEEP. 
abscesses on each side. The proprietor now requested my attend- 
ance, in order, if possible, to do something to relieve him from 
this miserable condition. I had felt inclined, before I saw him, 
to adopt the mode of treatment which you recommended to Mr. 
Howell ; but, on examination, I found that not only the posterior 
portion of the tongue, but the whole substance of it, was become 
a complete callus, and one-third larger than its natural size. 
The tubercles were lanced, from which escaped a yellowish 
matter. I then recommended a solution of the sulphate of cop- 
per, zinc, and alum, to be applied twice every day, but it did not 
afford the slightest relief. 
I saw him a few days ago, and was informed that he had been 
unable to pass any thing solid over the tongue since the tumours 
were opened. The tongue is now completely studded with tuber- 
cles from one extremity to the other, and very offensive, and the 
food is entirely supplied by the horn. 
Seeing his poor emaciated frame, and without the least chance 
for his recovery, I advised the proprietor to have him slaughtered ; 
but he objects to destroying him, and seems determined to let 
him live till nature can hold out no longer. I have had an exten- 
sive practice in the country among cattle, and also in the London 
dairies while residing with my respected friend Mr. Easton, of 
Stratford ; but a case of this sort I never before met with. 
Feb. 10, 1842. 
TAPPING FOR THE DROPSY IN SHEEP. 
We met with the following paragraph in the Nottingham Mer- 
cury a few weeks ago : — 
“ This singular, and we believe original, operation was per- 
formed a fortnight ago at Laxton, by Mr. Esam, butcher, of that 
village. A ewe sheep was almost dying from the effects of drop- 
sy, when Mr. Esam proposed that he should be permitted to try 
the effects of tapping. His suggestion being approved of, he 
made an incision in the side of the animal, into which he intro- 
duced a piece of elder as a tube, and drew from the sheep not less 
than eight gallons of water. It soon began to revive, and is now 
apparently in perfect health.” 
Wishing to ascertain the real history of this case, I wrote to 
Mr. Chapman, an old pupil now practising at Nottingham, and 
requested him to make some inquiry. He gives me the follow- 
ing particulars received from Mr. Esam : — The ewe w'as four 
years old ; the pasturage on which she had been fed consisted of 
