586 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Some furthor tests in regard to the use of Abortin as a diagnostic agent 

 resulted unfavorably. 



The pathogenic action of the Bacillus abortus (Bang), T. Smith and M 

 Fabyan {CentU. Balct. [etc.], 1. AM., Orig., 61 (1912), No. 7, pp. 549-555).— 

 The B. abortus (Bang) is considered in all probability the only incitor of in- 

 fectious abortion in the animals of this country. This organism when inocu- 

 lated into guinea pigs was found to produce a generalized vaccine disease which 

 was seldom lethal. The disease simulated tuberculosis, and was characterized 

 by chronic interstitial new formations which to the greater extent consisted of 

 epitheloid and lymphoid cells. The B, ahortus was found to occur in milk. 



The relation of the disease to man is also discussed, 



A contribution to the study of bovine hematuria, Roger (,Rev. Vet. 

 [Toulouse], 36 {1911), Nos. 9, pp. 525-532; 10, pp. 593-601; 11, pp. 660-669; 

 12, pp. 72^-735, figs. 4)- — -^ discussion of bovine hematuria, its etiology, symp- 

 tomatology, diagnosis, pathological anatomy, pathogenesis, prognosis, and treat- 

 ment. Original investigations are reported. 



An experiment to test the toxic properties of ergot towards cattle, and, in 

 particular, the production of gangrene of the feet by its ingestion (so-called 

 " ergotism "), C. J. Reakes and H. A. Reid {Jour. Xew Zeal. Dept. Agr., S 

 {1911), No. 5, pp. 361-363). — In the experiment here reported 2 young cattle, a 

 steer aged 18 months, and a yearling bull, were used. 



Commencing on June 29, 1911, each animal received 4 cc. (about 1 dr.) of 

 the liquid extract of ergot (B. P.) mixed with half a pint of water, daily. 

 The dose was doubled on July 7 and on July 18 increased to 16 cc. for the bull 

 and on July 24 for the steer. On August 8, the steer had lost condition slightly, 

 but this is thought to have been the result of bad weatber and scarcity of grass 

 feed. The condition of the bull was very good, so that in his case the dose was 

 further increased on August 16 to 30 cc, and finally, on September 9 to 40 cc. 

 daily. The maximum daily dose for the steer remained at 36 cc. These quanti- 

 ties of the liquid extract of ergot were given every day (with the exception of 

 3 days from August 8) until September 26, when it was decided to discontinue 

 the dosage. Altogether the bull calf received 65 oz., or Si pints of liquid extract 

 of ergot, extending over a ijeriod of 89 days, while the steer received 2 pints. 

 The climatic conditions prevailing at the time were not favorable to the re- 

 sistant powers of the animals, the weather for the most part being cold and 

 often very wet. 



At no period of the experiment was any lameness apparent, nor were any 

 signs of disease of the extremities shown. 



Acorn poisoning in cattle, W. T. Brookes {Vet. Jour., 6S {1912), No. UO. 

 pp. 88-90). — ^A brief report is given of cases of poisoning in several lots of cattle 

 in different districts that resulted from the consumption of acorns. 



Investigations in regard to five anaerobes found in calves which came 

 to slaughter, A. Lellek {Untcrsuehungen ilher Fiinf im Fleische Notgeschlnch- 

 teter Tiere Gefundene AnaeroMer. Inang. Diss., Univ. Bern, 1910, pp. 44, 

 fig. 1). — A description of 5 organisms which were isolated from calves. 



Four of the organisms (bacilli) were culturally, biologically, biochemically, 

 and morphologically similar. All of the bacteria were pathogenic for a variety 

 of animals. The organisms were not positively identified, but the Gohn-Sachs 

 bacillus, B. hotulinus, B. tetani, B. edematis, B. mucosus, B. camis, Hibler's 

 anaerobe Nos. 9 and 15, B. saccharobiityricus, B. iovis morbificans, B. enteri- 

 tidis sporogenes, Novy's bacillus, B. phlegmones emphysem<itos(e. B. anthrncis 

 symptom aticus, B. jmtrificus, and B. cadaveris sporogenes could be excluded. 



Sepsis in calves caused by the Diplococcus (Streptococcus) lanceolatus, 

 F. Balzeb {Ztschr. Fleisch u. Milvhhyg., 21 {1911), No. 8, pp. 249-252) .—Com- 



