VETERINAEY MEDICINE. 583 



outbreak observed by the author. For treatment of the disease a weak solu- 

 tion of permanganate of potash and a sulphur-borax ointment are recommended. 



Diphtheria of fowls, Boedet (Ann. MM. Vet., 56 (1907), No. 8-9, pp. 49 Jr 

 498). — The human diphtheria bacillus is found in fowls and the diphtheria 

 antitoxin has no preventive effect on roup in fowls. Some fowls are refractory 

 to the roup bacillus but inoculation of the nictitating membrane of the eye is 

 always followed by a severe and characteristic reaction, edema of the eye and 

 thickening and redness of the third eyelid. 



A case of mycosis in a bird, S. Bonansea (Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. "An- 

 tonio Alzate,'' 24 (1907), No. 10, pp. 397-401). — Larus glaucus was killed by 

 spontaneous infection of the lungs with Aspergillus funiigatus. Brief notes are 

 given on the lesions caused by this fungus. 



The distribution of plague, C. Tiraboschi (Arch. Par., 11 (1907), No. 4, pp. 

 545-620). — An elaborate review is given of the evidence of the agency of small 

 rodents and insects in carrying plague. 



Rats are shown to be of great importance in the transmission of plague. 

 The disease is also sometimes carried by mice. It has also been proved that 

 fleas may carry plague from rat to I'at, from rat to man, or from man to man. 

 The chief species of fleas concerned in the transmission of plague among rats 

 are Piilex cheops, CeratophyUus fascia tus, Ctenopsylla muscuU, Ctenocephalus 

 felis, and C. canis. The same species and also Pulex irritans may carry plague 

 from rat to man. The Sarcopsyllidie seem not to be concerned in the problem. 



The role of parasitic worms and insects in the transmission of pathogenic 

 bacteria, M. Weinberg (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 21 (1907), No. 7, pp. 533-561, pi. 1, 

 figs. 21). — Most parasitic worms detach themselves from the intestinal walls 

 almost immediately after the death of the host. The lesions caused by them 

 can, therefore, be studied with ease. The author holds that the majority of 

 parasitic worms favor the penetration of pathogenic organisms into the intes- 

 tinal walls. Such penetration is effected in some cases in the punctures caused 

 by the parasites, in other cases in the inflammatory areas or ulcers caused by 

 the presence of the parasites. Thus Cestodes in attaching their sucking discs 

 produce a congestion which enables bacteria to penetrate. 



The larvje of bots and similar insects may also cause alimentary ulcers. Sep- 

 ticemia may follow the attacks of parasitic worms. 



Poisoning of animals, E. J. Dommerhold (Tijdschr. Vccartsenijk., 34 (1907), 

 No. 12, pp. 727-731). — From cases which occurred in the practice of the author 

 notes are given on botulism in dogs, lead poisoning in a cow, goat poisoning from 

 Taxiis haceata, toxic polyuria in horses, and mold poisoning of hogs. 



Poisoning of cattle from Heracleum sphondylium, T. Bieler (Chron. Agr. 

 Vaud, 20 (1907), No. IS, pp. 4~8-434). — A number of cases are reported in 

 which cattle were poisoned by eating this plant in pastures. The symptoms 

 were excessive salivation, convulsive movements, paralysis of the hind quarters, 

 superficial cold, and moaning. The improvement of pastures is recommended 

 as a means of preventing this trouble. 



The larkspurs as poisonous plants, A. C. Crawford ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. 

 Plant Indus. Bui. Ill, pt. 1, pp. 1-12, pi. 1). — The literature relating to the 

 chemical composition and active principles of various species of larkspur is con- 

 sidered in connection with the author's investigations of this subject. In labor- 

 atory experiments on guinea pigs and rabbits. Delphinium camporuin was used. 

 When 5 gm. of a dried and i)owdered plant were extracted and dissolved in 

 water to make up 30 cc, it was found that 4 or 5 cc. of this solution constituted 

 a fatal hyi)odermic dose for guinea i)igs of average size. It was found that the 

 plant loses much of its poisonous property as it approaches the flowering stage. 



