J. J. Griffith 373 



land they lay badly and tend to produce shell-less eggs, and many of 

 them perish when the effects become more marked. 



Many farmers are very reluctant to admit their troubles with hve- 

 stock because dealers often endeavour to avoid purchasing animals 

 from affected farms. 



In order to show that the loss with livestock is very considerable a 

 few of the cases that have been under observation may be cited. 



(a) In the spring of 1912 one farmer lost 170 sheep. Both the farmer 

 and the veterinary surgeon, Captain R. D. Williams, M.R.C.V.S., were 

 satisfied that the symptoms were those of lead poisoning. Captain 

 Williams conducted post-mortem examinations and handed me specimens 

 of the livers, which I found to be highly impregnated with lead. I also 

 took some of the sediment left on the herbage where the sheep had 

 been grazing and found the air-dried sample to contain 

 Moisture 3-12 % 



Lead (Pb) 1-36 



0/ 

 /O 



(6) During 1913 and 1914 a farmer lost four horses due to "plumb- 

 ism" as testified by symptoms, post-mortem examination conducted by 

 Captain Williams, and also the presence of lead m liver sample which I 

 received for analysis. 



(c) Another farmer, during the years 1898 to 1914, lost twenty 

 horses as the result of grazing on contaminated land. 



For further information regarding injury to stock see Journal of ihc 

 Colleqe Agricidhiral Deparlntent, vol. viii. article on "Plumbism in 

 North Cardiganshire," by Mr Edward Morgan, M.R.C.V.S., D.V.H. 



Causes ob' Injurious Effects arising from Presence of Mine 

 Refuse in Soils. 



Although contaminated soils are usually said to be "lead poisoned" 

 it must be borne in mind that many mines in the county contain in 

 addition to lead ore, several other minerals which may prove harmful. 



List of Minerals in the Metalliferous Veins of Cardiganshire. 



Name op Mineral Relative Abundance Remarks 



Galena (PbS) ... ... ... Most abundant ... Containing up to 80 oz. of 



silver to ton of lead, but 

 usually much less. 



Cerussite (PbCOs) ... Very small quantity .. . Covering galena where there 



has been infiltration of 

 water containing carbonic 

 acid. 



Journ. of Agric. .Soi. ix 2S 



