[ 95 3 
of all grasses. White and red clover abound, since 
the introduction of gypsum, in fields that were bur¬ 
ned formerly during the summer ; these may be 
made into hay for winter provender, at half the 
price that it would cost in the moist climate of 
Britain. Add to this, that our fields are enclosed, 
which saves the expense incurred by the constant 
attendance of shepherds. Our sheep have few mal¬ 
adies, many that are common in Europe are un¬ 
known here. There the rot sweeps off whole 
flocks. I never saw or heard of the rot in this 
state. Indeed I know of but one disorder, that is 
common among our sheep, the scab ; this seldom 
is seen where the sheep arc well kept, and is easily 
checked by removing the infected sheep as soon 
as it is visible, I have found it useful when the 
snow lays long on the ground, to carry pine or ce 
dar boughs into the fold which they eat readily; 
when these cannot be conveniently procured, tar 
spread thinly over a board and strewed with salt is 
H good substitute. 
The Spanish shepherds when they perceive by 
the wool’s rising, the commencement of the scab, 
they pull out the lock, and taking salt p their 
mouths, drop the spittle on the bare spot, which 
they say will stop its progress. The best method, 
however, when it is only partial, is to wash the 
part with soap, and to anoint it with an ointment of 
grease and turpentine. Mercui;-eal ointment rubbed 
pn the sore or on the hams of the sheep is a certain 
