254 Tlie Cattle-Plague. 



men of considerable reputation are found to believe in sponta- 

 neous generation, the Aveight of authority is undoubtedly against 

 such a supposition. It will, I think, be generally admitted by 

 those who resist the spontaneous theory, that although the virus 

 cannot be generated here, its operations here can be materially 

 facilitated. " Filth," say the EdinbueGH COMMITTEE, " cannot 

 generate the specific poison of rinderpest, but may intensify it." 

 There are other causes which tend to invite attack by throwing 

 down the natui'al defences of the system. To some of these 

 predisposing causes, already referred to, it is desirable to direct 

 attention. 



Those of my readers who read a paper on the ' Precocity of 

 Development,^ which appeared in vol. xii. of the ' Bath and West 

 of England Journal,' will remember probably to have laid it 

 down with very grave misgivings as to the results of the present 

 system of breeding and feeding. It is true that this system 

 appears to be forced upon us ; but where will it end ? The cry 

 has been for the animal that will be the first ready for the 

 carriage, the saddle, the dairy, the butcher ; and so far the 

 demand has been answered with great skill by the farmer ; but 

 at what cost ? This writer truthfully observes, that " that which 

 is rapidly produced is wanting in stability." In comparing the 

 wild with the domesticated state he remarks, " domestication 

 not only modifies the condition of development, but it effects 

 important alterations in circumstances under which disease is 

 produced and extended from one generation to another. Defects 

 which in the natural state would render the animal incapable of 

 living, and which, if perpetuated, would end in the extinction 

 of the race, are, under the new conditions, fostered, extended, 

 called ' hereditary.' " He further points to the different results 

 attending the selection of man and nature ; and says of the 

 former, " He feeds and moulds according to choice ; and to a 

 certain extent the animal organization will admit of it. The 

 tendency of the system is to force the animal by every available 

 means to premature adultism. By excessive feeding, fat accu- 

 mulates upon the surface and in the interior of the body, 

 encroaching upon the more important tissues." Deterioration 

 also takes takes place in the quality of the blood. " Inactivity 

 tends to the diminution of muscle, and impairs the functions of 

 respiration, circulation, and excretion, upon Avhich depend the 

 purifying of the blood, the removal of effete matter, and the 

 proper action of the various vital functions. Tissues are rapidly 

 formed, and are, in consequence, of deficient stability. The 

 animal attains his full growth prematurely," and it seems ques- 

 tionable whether we are correct in regarding it as typical of 

 perfect health. This early maturity in the horse is attained at 



