AND THE ATTACK OF THE FLY IN SHEEP. 729 
from their having experienced its effects in assuaging the pain 
produced in the stomach and bowels by this acidity. In their 
common feeding in the meadow they always swallowed a portion 
of absorbent earth. The want of teeth in the upper jaw rendered 
it impossible for them fairly to cut through the herbage. It was 
partly cut, and partly torn up by the roots, and the animal swal- 
lowed a considerable quantity of earth. It prevented the evil 
which would result from the too rapid decomposition of the grassy 
food. Combining with the decomposing food, it acted as a gentle 
purgative, and an admirable neutral salt was manufactured in the 
stomach. Here, however, was the acescent principle in excess 
— the turnip, and not the grass ; and the turnip had either been 
pulled or was eaten down to a level with the ground, and little or 
no earth was taken with the food. Then the animal set to work, 
and devoured it by mouthfuls : the absorbent principle mingled 
with the developed acid, but the sandy portion of the soil re- 
mained — it rapidly increased in quantity, and it acted as a de- 
structive irritant on the membrane of the stomach and intestines. 
The mode of treatment adopted by Mr. Gutteridge was that 
which good sense would suggest — mild but effectual aperients — 
those of an alkaline character, and either mingled or alternated 
with tonics. 
The lesson to the farmer is sufficiently evident. 
As to the prevention of “ Sore Heads” — this can only be 
accomplished by the early application either of coarse whale 
oil or spirit of tar. “ The fly” has a strong dislike to both of 
these substances, and will keep at a distance from the sheep 
that is scented with them. 
When the sheep has been “ struck” by the fly, he cannot use 
a better application than that to which he has been accustomed 
to have recourse. — Y.] 
A CASE OF OBSTRUCTION IN THE (ESOPHAGUS, 
AND SINGULAR CONGESTION OF BLOOD IN 
THE LUNG. 
By Mr. T. PARIS, Colyton. 
A FOUR year old mare, the property of Mr. Mills, of this town, 
was perceived on entering the stable, Aug. 7, 1839, to be choaked 
from eating some dry bran that had been left in the manger. The 
gullet was distended from nearly the head to the chest. Several 
horns of water were given, and pressure applied to the throat with 
a view of removing the obstruction in detached portions. This not 
effecting the object, a small probang was introduced ; but it was 
VOL. XII. 5 C 
