RURAL ENGINEERING. VS? 



" Histological examination of the pia mater shows a slight meningitis of a 

 mononuclear type, which plays quite a secondary part compared with the 

 inflammatory alterations in the nervous tissue. It is probably a so-called 

 meningeal irritation. The vessels of the brain and, to some extent those of the 

 spinal cord show, as a rule, pronounced inflammatory infiltration of their 

 external coats, and partly also of their perivascular lymph spaces. The infil- 

 trating cells are principally lymphocytes ; polyblastic and other kinds of cells 

 and polynuclear leucocytes are not seen. The same inflammatory cellular infll- 

 trations are diffused widely through the substance of the brain and spinal 

 cord. They are in close connection with the vascular infiltrations. 



" The disease does not resemble epidemic cerebro-spinal meningitis in man 

 as regards its pathological anatomy. The lesions of Borna disease show con- 

 siderable resemblance to those of rabies, fowl plague, trypanosomiases, and, 

 above all, to those of anterior poliomyelitis. As a result of his investigations, 

 Joest names the disease ' infectious inflammation of the brain and spinal cord 

 of the horse' (encephalitis et myelitis euzootica equi)."' 



A bibliography of 3S titles is appended. 



Pectoral form of equine influenza and acute actinomycosis, Schutt 

 (Berlin. Tierdrztl. Wchnschr., 28 {1912), No. 2, pp. 25-27).— As a result of 

 examining particles from the lungs of horses and some grain moths ( species not 

 described), the author concludes that contagious pleuro-pneumonia is an acute 

 actinomycosis. The moth is supposed to be the carrier of the infection. 



Practical experiences in regard to vaccinating' against canine distemper, 

 C. Berndt {Berlin. Ticrarztl. Wchnschr., 27 {1911), Xo. J,3, pp. 777, 778).— The 

 author points out here as a result of his experiences with antidistemper serum 

 that it can be used to great advantage by veterinarians having i\ canine practice. 



RURAL ENGINEERII^TG. 



Report of investigations of methods of clearing logged-off lands in west- 

 em Washington, H. W. Sparks ( Washington Sta. Bid. 101, pp. 3-2S, figs. 5).^ 

 Studies carried on in cooperation with the Bureau of Plant Industry of this 

 Department are reported with reference to the most economical use by the small 

 farmer of fire as an agent for clearing logged-ofl: lands. 



Three methods in successful use by the farmers who are regarded as the origi- 

 nators are described. Cost data and other figures obtained in tests of these 

 methods are reported. 



Detailed directions are given for using the " char-pit " method of destroying 

 stumps, which consists essentially in firing around the stump and building a 

 tight soil cover up from the bottom to retain the heat. Air enters freely at the 

 bottom and the heat rises but is reflected back against the burning stump. The 

 method derives its name from the supposed similarity of its principles to those 

 used in burning charcoal in commercial work. 



The re.sults of 16 different experiments carried out by the author show that 

 the " char-pit method " may be successfully practiced in both clayey and sandy 

 soils and with wet stumps where proper precautions are taken. Fuel oil mixed 

 with dry sawdust may be economically and satisfactorily used to kindle fires 

 around the base of stumps where cheap fuel is not available. Boots that have 

 not burned deeply enough may be burned a second time. 



The practical design of irrigation works, W. G. Bligh (New YorTc, 1910, 

 2. ed. rev. and enl., pp. XXVII+4^9, pis. 12, figs. 24 't)- — This volume consists of 

 a general study of the essentials of design of irrigation works. 

 42049°— No. S— 12 7 



