SCAB, OR ITCH.

Scab, itch, erysipelas, &c., all come under the head of cutaneous diseases, and require nearly the same general treatment. The following compound may be depended on as a safe and efficient remedy in either of the above diseases:—

Sulphur,	2 ounces.
Powdered sassafras,	1 ounce.

Honey, sufficient to amalgamate the above. Dose, a table-spoonful every morning. To prevent the sheep from rubbing themselves, apply

Pyroligneous acid,	1 gill.
Water,	1 quart.

Mix, and wet the parts with a sponge.

Remarks.—In reference to the scab, Dr. Gunther says, "Of all the preservatives which have been proposed, inoculation is the best. It has two advantages: first, the disease so occasioned is much more mitigated, and very rarely proves fatal; in the next place, an entire flock may get well from it in the space of fifteen days, whilst the natural form of the disorder requires care and attention for at least six months. It has been ascertained that the latter kills [17] more than one half of those attacked; whilst among the sheep that have been inoculated, the greatest proportion that die of it is one per cent."

Whenever the scab makes its appearance, the whole flock should be examined, and every one having the least abrasion eruption of the skin should be put under medical treatment.

In most cases, itch is the result of infection. A single sheep infected with it is sufficient to infect a whole flock. If a few applications of the pyroligneous wash, aided by the medicine, are not sufficient to remove the malady, then recourse must be had to the following:—

Fir balsam,	half a pint.
Sulphur,	1 ounce.

Mix. Anoint the sores daily.

The only additional treatment necessary in erysipelas is, to give a bountiful supply of tea made of lemon balm, sweetened with honey.

FOOTNOTES:

[17] More likely the remedies. They are tobacco and corrosive sublimate—destructive poisons.