SCAB SPECIFIC.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 57, 11 October 1864, Page 3

SCAB SPECIFIC.

We take the following from the 'Melbourne Argus' : — At a meeting of the Council of the Board of Agriculture on Wednesday, the Secratary presented the following report of the recent experiments with Mr. Costello's solution for the cure ofacabin sheep : — Seven sheep having been purchased by the Board of Agriculture to test a solution invented by Mr. Costello for the cure of scab, were dipped on the 2nd July, 1864. The proportions were as follow : — Three gallons of the solution to forty -five gallons of water, Temperature about 90 deg. The sheep remained one minute in the dip. The whole of the seven sheep were in the worst stage of the disease. On the 12th July the sheep were re- dipped in the solution. The proportions were as follow : — Two gallons of the solution to forty-four gallons of water. Temperature 70 deg. The sheep remained one minute in the dip. On examining the sheep previous to re-dipping it was found that the scab, though somewhat mitigated in its virulence, was still existing to a Tery great extent. On the 27 July, Messrs Brock, Winter, and the secretary examined the sheep. After a very careful and minute inspection, by the aid of powerful glasses, no traces of acari could be discovered. The sheep had much improved in condition, and the disease appeared to have been eradicated. It was, however considered necessary to postpone the final examination until such time as a definite conclusion could be arrived at. On the 23rd August the sheep were examined by Mr. Andrew Brock and the secretary. Their condition was much improved, and although; owing to the cold and wet weather, the wool had not grown very much, yet it was evident, by its general appearance, that in a very short time every trace of the disease, which had been so virulent, would be obliterated. A certificate from Mr. Brock ia appended herewith. I have no hesitation in stating that the sheep alluded, to above are now perfectly cured and free from the disease. J. M. Mitsok, Secretary. Board of Agriculture Aug. 23. Aug. 23, 1864. I certify that I have this day examined the sheep which have been dipped in Mr. Costello's epecific, and believe them to be cured of the scab. I also examined them on a former occasion, and found no disease. The sheep had been very bad. Alex. Bbock.