Note E88 — 17.
Reading edition
Tar was the common salve for all sores in cattle. "Two pounds of tar to a pound of pitch," is a good composition for sheep marks.—M. "Every shepherd used to carry a tar-box, called a tarre-boyste in the Chester Plays, p. 121, or a terre-powghe (= tar pouch) in P. Pl. Crede, l. 618. It held a salve containing tar which was used for anointing sores in sheep. Compare
"Heare is tarre in a potte To heale from the rotte." —Chester Plays, p. 120.
See also History of Agriculture and Prices in England, by J. E. Thorold Rogers, vol. i. p. 31. Note to P. Plowman, ed. Skeat, C. x. 262-264.