132 The Ohio Journal of Science [Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 



METHODS AND PROCEDURE. 



An apparatus, similar to that used upon human beings, was 

 employed, with but a few minor modifications which adapted it 

 to use with cattle. This consisted of a pnuemograph, kymo- 

 graph, tambour, electric clock and signal magnet, which were 

 connected in the usual manner. The tambour registered the 

 respiratory activities upon a drum fitted with smoked paper, 

 w^hich revolved at a convenient rate. The speed was so timed 

 that the curves were easily read, and showed the minutest 

 variations. In all curves, the signal magnet registered five sec- 

 ond intervals below each curve. In every curve the up stroke 

 indicates expiration and the downstroke inspiration. These 

 pneumographic tracings, (see Figure 1), not only registered 

 respiratory movements, but also outward movements of the 

 animal's body, such as kicking, moving about, movements of 

 the head, switchings of the tail, etc. The pneumograph was 

 attached about the barrel of the animal, nearly over the dia- 

 phragm. In this position, all or nearly all of the movements 

 were recorded. As has been shown, every movement is con- 

 trolled by the nervous system and so has a direct bearing upon 

 the measurement of nervous activity. Thus a restless animal 

 showed a greater number of variations in its curve than a 

 more quiet one. 



Four registered Holstein-Friesian cows were experimented 

 with — Seven H, Three H, Two H, and Five H. Three periods 

 of the day were selected for experimentation, which represented 

 three given conditions — before feeding, during feeding and 

 after feeding. Curves were made with the different animals 

 on different days under these conditions, over a period of three 

 months. After becoming familiar with the apparatus and 

 subject, each variation in the curve proved significant of some 

 definite activity. We were soon able to recognize kicks, 

 swallowing, switching of tail, etc., as recorded on the drum. 

 Our experience is in accord with that of Neumann, who says: 

 "Es zeigte sich bei diesen Versuchen, dass der Athem das 

 empfindlichste Reagens bei Gefiihlschwankungen bildete, und 

 das bei rightiger Behandling der pneumographischen Reg- 

 istierapparate die Athemveranderungen als sicherestes Kenn- 

 zeichen alle Veranderungen der Gefuhlslebens dienen konnen. " 

 (12.) 



