What Kills The Sheep

WHAT KILLS THE SHEEP

The question a Manchester farmer wants answered. He has lost nearly twenty sheep and others have been sick and he don't know why.

Wm. Rushton, who lives on what is known as the "Freeman farm" about 3 1/2 miles west and south of Manchester, has lost nearly 20 head of sheep within the past two weeks by some unknown disease.

One day as the ladies of the household were going to a neighbors they passed by the lot where the sheep were pastured and there noticed that some had the appearance of being dead. On their return the sheep lay in the same position, which confirmed their suspicions and on examination they found their fears were realized. Mr. Rushton was informed and made examination, but could not account for their death. He feared, however, that they had been poisoned, and turned the remainder into another lot, but they acted ''dumpish" and instead of going about the field as sheep generally do, they hung their heads or picked the grass near the bars.

He informed the state veterinarian, who came here Monday accompanied by two students, but they were unable to determine what was the trouble. Mr. Rushton was told to give each sheep four ounces of raw linseed oil and a teaspoonful of turpentine, and report to him in eight or ten days. Mr. Rushton attempted to follow instructions, but the sheep could not take the medicine, choking and gagging as though unable to swallow. He says that one lamb came near collapsing immediately after he had administered the dope, and he believes every sheep would die if he gave them the medicine.

Since then, every few days two or three sheep have been found dead and Mr. Rushton has buried them where they lay.

Manchester Enterprise