Page:Australian enquiry book of household and general information.djvu/275

 what these low forms of life will survive. Free access to rock salt should be allowed to all sheep, and the sowing of salt over the runs will often kill larval forms, and also segments of worms and their eggs. To understand even in the smallest degree these low forms of life, one must study them under a strong microscope. It is hard to believe that even the smallest segment of the worm has the power of reproduction, but one can believe it after examining the creature under a powerful glass.

Soap 2 lbs., whiting from 5 to 6 lbs. Shred the soap and melt it over a gentle fire, stir in the whiting, and boil the two together, then add about 3 ozs. of chloride of lime, and when cold, 1 oz. tincture of musk. This is much safer to handle than the peparationspreparations [sic] of arsenic and arsenical soap so much used among the shepherds and station hands, and to which may often be traced illnesses from arsenical poisoning through sores, cuts, &c., &c., on the hands.

Mix equal quantities of olive oil and precipitated sulphur. Wash the dog well before applying, then smear the mixture all over the affected parts, and wash off in about three days and apply again. I have seen the common gum leaves very effective in this disease. Gather a quantity of the young leaves, make a strong decoction from them, and wash or dip the animal in it when cold or cool. Dip him several times, or till the dog shows signs of recovery. It is as well to give some sulphur internally also, either in the water or in a pill.

It is the greatest mistake to whip or ill-use a horse that jibs, balks, or is sulky. One only loses valuable time and temper that is more valuable by so doing. Now, we know that the brute creation are capable of but one idea at a time, therefore, when a horse jibs he has that one notion fixed in his mind, and until that is changed he will do nothing else. It is not that he will not but that he can not. It is very easy to change his mind, or rather to put the one (1) idea out and another in its place by unharnessing him, or merely taking him out of the shafts and walking him up and down for a few minutes, then put him in again. If you do not want the trouble of this, give him a few mouthfuls of food, or tie a handkerchief over his eyes for a few minutes, and tie his tail up. Offer him a drink, pet and talk to him, in fact, do anything to take his mind off jibbing, or whatever his fault is at the moment. Whipping and swearing will do no good, while gentleness and kindness are sure to.