THE SHEEP. 
195 
Calomel (Submuriate or Protochloride of Mercury). — Calomel is seldom 
used in the treatment of the diseases of the sheep. In cases of rot, two 
r • three grains of calomel, mixed with a grain and a half of opium, have 
been found beneficial ; this dose may be repeated every day, or every 
other day, for several times, its effects being watched. 
Sulphate of Mercury or jEthiops Mineral.— As an alterative medicine, 
useful in cutaneous disorders, Hfthiops mineral has long enjoyed great 
reputation ; it is usually combined with nitre and sulphur in the follow- 
ing proportions for a daily dose : AEthiops mineral, one scruple ; nitre, 
two scruples ; sulphur, four scruples. 
Iodine. — Iodine is useful both as an external application, and also as a 
medicine taken internally, in cases of glandular affections and indurated 
swellings of the udder. Its most convenient form is the iodide of po- 
tassium. An excellent ointment is composed of one part of the iodide 
and seven of lard. 
Iodide of potassium is strongly recommended in consumption, when 
tubercles have formed on the lungs. The dose is two grains, gradually 
increased to four or six, given morning and evening, in a little gruel. 
Ergot Of Rye. — In cases of lingering parturition, when the powers of 
the uterus are exhausted, ergot of rye is found very useful. It exerts a 
peculiar action on that organ, and arouses its dormant energy. It 
should be employed with caution. The dose is a scruple or half a 
drachm, repeated at intervals of half an hour, if necessary. An infusion 
of ergot of rye is used by lambers and shepherds, conjoined with a 
cordial composed of equal parts of brandy and spirits of nitre (sp. cetlier 
nitrici). 
SEDATIVE AND FEBRIFUGE MEDICINES. — These are medicines calcu- 
lated to allay fever and moderate the action of the arterial system. 
Among these, nitre or nitrate of potass, tartar emetic, or tartrate of an- 
timony, and the powder of digitalis, i.e., of the dried leaves of the fox- 
glove, are chiefly in requisition. Opium, or tincture of opium (laudanum), 
is in a certain sense a sedative ; indeed, in some diseases, its use in 
allaying irritation cannot be overrated. 
Nitrate Of Potass, — Nitre is used as a febrifuge with good effect, but 
generally in combination with other medicines. Its dose is from half a 
drachm to a drachm. 
Tartrate of Antimony. — The effect of this medicine, in lowering t'ie 
action of the heart and arterial system, is very decided. Hence in many 
inflammatory diseases it is of great importance. It is given to the sheep 
in doses of five or six grains. 
Digitalis. — The powdered leaves of the dried foxglove have been long 
esteemed for their decided effects upon the action of the heart. They 
not only reduce the force of the pulse, but often render it intermittent. 
Digitalis, in combination with nitre and tartar-emetic or tartrate of anti- 
mony, forms an efficient fever medicine in cases of high inflammation, 
as pleurisy and similar diseases. 
The following formula for sheep has been used with success : digitalis 
powder, five grains ; tartrate of antimony, five grains ; nitrate of potass, 
halt a drachm ; water, three or four ounces. Mix. To be given twice 
a day. 
