THE SHEEP. 
107 
a teaspoonful or two should be added to some warm water, together 
with half an ounce of salts and a scruple of ginger, and given every six 
hours, till good effects result. We can hardly call this a cordial medi- 
cine. Its effects, setting aside the Epsom salts, are chemical, and the 
same observation applies to chloride of lime given internally in cases of 
hoove. Its dose in the shop is about half a drachm. As a disinfectant 
and cleanser of foul ulcers, a solution of chloride of lime, applied exter- 
nally, and used freely as a wash, is invaluable. 
Chloride of Lime. — For its properties, see above. A solution of chlo- 
ride of lime, for washing infected sheep-cotes, ulcers, etc., may be made 
with half an ounce of powder dissolved in a gallon of water. Taken 
inter- ly in hoove, it acts chemically as a cordial by secondary effects. 
Carbonate (sesquicarbonate) Of Soda— Carbonate of soda is an antacid, 
and useful as a component in cordial draughts, where the correction of 
acidity in the stomach is desirable. Dose, about a drachm. 
ASTRINGENTS. — Astringents are medicines which act upon the mucous 
membrane of the alimentary. canal, and check diarrhoea. They consist 
of lime, or chalk, opium, catechu, etc., and are always combined with 
cordials. Of lime, or rather chalk, little need be said ; it is given in 
doses of either half a drachm or a drachm. Of opium, we have already 
spoken. 
CatecIlU. — This is an extract from a tree of the acacia tribe, and is 
very valuable. Dose, a scruple. 
The following is a useful astringent cordial for sheep and calves : — 
prepared chalk, one ounce ; powdered catechu, half an ounce ; powdered 
ginger, two drachms ; powdered opium, half a drachm ; mucilage or gum- 
water, thick, two ounces; peppermint-water, six ounces. Mix. Dose: 
two tablespoonfuls twice a day. 
Alum. — Alum is not often used in the treatment of sheep. Its dose 
is ten or twenty grains, according to age. The “ sheep’s cordial ” ren- 
ders it unnecessary. 
EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS. — Setons are seldom used in the treatment 
of the diseases of sheep, and the wool prevents blisters from taking 
effect. With respect to chloride of lime, as we have noticed it under 
the head of cordials, we need not repeat our observations relative to its 
value as a disinfectant and cleaner of foul, sloughing fetid ulcers, when 
properly diluted with water (half an ounce to the gallon). The following 
external applications require a brief notice : — 
Poultices. — Those of linseed-meal are best; it is often advantageous 
to mix with them a little chloride of lime, especially if they be applied 
to foul ulcerations. In accelerating suppuration, a little turpentine is a 
useful addition. 
Stimulants. — Turpentine, camphorated oil, and hartshorn, form a good 
embrocation, useful in strains and chronic rheumatism. To two ounces 
of camphorated oil may be added an ounce of turpentine, and half an 
ounce, or even an ounce of hartshorn. 
Ointments and Lotions, etc. — Mercurial Ointment, when rubbed down 
with five or seven parts of lard, forms a safe and almost certain cure for 
the scab. White Lead, is often sprinkled over the part struck by the fly, 
in order to destroy the maggots burrowing in the skin, It is supersede4 
