ROT IN SHEET. 
527 
manner of a fish-hook. This peculiarity of structure, together 
with their general anatomy, can only be observed, however, 
by the aid of the microscope; but it is exceedingly instruc¬ 
tive and interesting, and especially to the physiologist. The 
source or origin of these worms is at present unknown. 
The symptoms arising from the existence of the entozoa are 
analogous to those of rot, and consist principally of long- 
continued wasting of the animal, and its ultimately becoming 
dropsical—death being sometimes preceded by diarrhoea. 
With regard to the treatment, we have fortunately several 
means at our command which are well calculated to effect 
the removal of the worms, and thus get quickly rid of the 
cause of the disease. These means consist of dosing the 
sheep—first, with salt and water, three fourths of an ounce 
of salt to half a pint of water; and, secondly, following it up 
by the use of sulphate of iron and gentian powder, a drachm 
of each to the same quantity of water. Give the solution of 
salt once a day for three or four days in succession, and then 
commence the exhibition of the sulphate, and continue it for 
four or five days. Benefit also results from change of food, 
and especially the feeding of the sheep on rape. At all 
events, be the food what it may, the animals must be well 
kept, or they will fall a sacrifice to the dropsical effusions 
which take place beneath the skin and into the different 
cavities of the body. 
1 am, my dear sir, 
Yours very truly, 
Jas. B. Simonds. 
Royal Veterinary College; Aug. 2, 1861. 
ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
LECTURE ON THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF THE DISEASE 
KNOWN AS ROT IN SHEEP. 
By Professor J. B. Simonds. 
{Continuedfromp. *558.) 
With regard to the symptoms by which we recognise rot, 
it is universally admitted, I believe, at least by all practical 
men, that in the earliest stage there is no great depreciation 
of the value of the sheep, that it does not apparently suffer 
any inconvenience, but that it rather accumulates flesh faster. 
The explanation of this is easy enough. The small flukes 
enter into the liver, not perfected, but having, of course, to 
