FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE IN CATTLE. 435 



gallons ; or white vitriol (sulphate of zinc), a pound in three gal- 

 lons. Either of these sohitions (or both alternately), may be used 

 for washing the mouth, and may be applied by means of a soft 

 sponge, or rag tied to a handle, and used as a swab. The same may 

 be applied to the udder, and if it becomes seriously inflamed a 

 warm bran or flaxseed poultice may be applied. In severe cases 

 it sometimes becomes necessary to draw the milk by means of 

 tubes inserted into the teats. The diseased animals should be 

 kept in a dry, comfortable place, suitably ventilated, and receive 

 good nursing, the utmost attention being paid to cleanliness. If 

 unable to masticate their usual food it should be chopped very fine 

 and well moistened until quite soft, and if this does not serve the 

 purpose, mashes of coarse-ground wheat and bran, or flaxseed tea 

 or other similar diet may be administered. 



To the feet may be applied a wash made by dissolving blue 

 vitriol (sulphate of copper) in water, one pound to two gallons. 

 They should be kept as clean as possible, and this is greatly facili- 

 tated by keeping the animals on a clean smooth floor, and the lit- 

 ter frequently changed. Neglect in this respect is liable to be 

 followed by ulceration and loss of hoof. If matter forms beneath 

 the hoof, all loosened horn should be carefully pared away, and if 

 much inflamed, a bran poultice should be applied for a day or two, 

 and then the above named wash used. Some veterinary surgeons 

 use the solution of blue vitriol for the feet double the above 

 strength, or two ounces to the pint, and follow it with an applica- 

 tion of tar.* 



So far as I have learned regarding the progress of epizootic 

 aphtha in this country, it has thus far generally assumed a rather 



* After the above was in type, I find the following from Prcif. Low, V. S., of Cornell 

 University, in the Journal of the New York State Agricultural Society : 



" The sores on the feet require powerful applications. The parts must first be 

 thoroughly cleansed by drawing a coarse rag through between the claws to detach any 

 shreds of dead cuticle, and expose a fresh sensitive surface. To this may be applied, 

 with a feather or soft brush, either strong carbolic acid, or a solution of one part of sul- 

 phuric acid in three parts of water. This done, a strip of strong cotton, fifteen to eigh- 

 teen inches long, is covered with tar to the extent of three inches in its middle part, 

 drawn up between the claws so as to apply the tar to the diseased surface, and finally 

 tied round the fetlock. This has the double effect of protecting the cleansed surface 

 from contact with filth, and maintaining applied to it a stimulant f>.nd antiseptic dressing 

 which greatly facilitates healing. One such dressing is usually enough. In dressing the 

 hind feet I bave found great help from the use of a strong round wooden bar, passed 

 beneath the leg in front of the hock joint, and held by a man at each end so as to raise 



