FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB. 35 



Other comma bacilli are found in cholera nostras, in saliva 

 and in old cheese. These were formerly believed to be identical 

 with Koch's cholera bacillus, but many now regard them as 

 distinct species. 



3. Leuconostoc. This genus consists of cocci and rods. 

 Spore formation is present in the cocci. 



One species is described, Leuconostoc mesenteroidzs, well 

 known as frog-spawn fungus or gomme de sucrerie, a formidable 

 enemy to sugar manufacturers. So rapid is the growth of this 

 organism that forty-nine hectolitres of molasses, containing ten 

 per cent, of sugar, were converted within twelve hours into a 

 gelatinous mass. 



The cells occur singly, in chains, and in zooglcea, surrounded 

 by a thick gelatinous envelope, so firm that sections can be cut 

 with a razor. In addition to increase by division, leuconostoc is 

 also reproduced by the formation of arthrospores as already 

 described. 



4. Bacillus. This is a genus containing cocci and rods or 

 rods only, forming straight or twisted threads. Spore formation 

 is present either in the rods or cocci. 



This genus contains several most important species. Fore- 

 most among these is the Bacillus anthracis. This is the cause of 

 splenic fever in animals, and of charbon, malignant pustule or 

 woolsorter's disease in man. The morphology and life history of 

 this bacillus have been very fully worked out, and as it completely 

 fulfils the four postulates of Koch the bacillus anthracis is 

 accepted as a type from which to study the various bacteriological 

 methods. 



As was stated earlier in this paper anthrax bacilli have been 

 found in soil in which animals which have died of the disease 

 have been buried. A more common mode of dissemination, 

 however, is by the excreta, and blood and discharges from the 

 nose and mouth of moribund animals. The bacilli find a 

 nourishing soil in decaying animal and vegetable matter ; spore 

 formation goes on rapidly, there being free access of oxygen, and 

 the grass is extensively contaminated. Floods may carry these 

 spores over adjacent meadows. 



Animals may be directly infected through wounds in the 

 mouth caused by siliceous sedges or grasses, or by wounds of 

 insects. It is also probable that they may be infected through 

 the intestinal and pulmonary mucous membranes. 



In man the disease is met with in those who have to handle 

 the wool or hides of animals which have died of anthrax. Infec- 

 tion takes place either through a wound or abrasion of the skin, 

 or by inhalation of the spores attached to dust, which then 

 develop in the respiratory and a.i.i.entary tracts. The disease 



