REPORT OF THE VETERINARIAN. 
By W. REID BLAIR, D.V.S. 
NE fact which has greatly impressed me in the study of the 
diseases of wild animals is that in order to obtain the best 
results, the statistical method should be used to a great extent. The 
collection of a large number of cases, with a careful analysis of 
recorded dates, can not but yield valuable conclusions. 
In this connection we are gratified to note that the London 
Zoological Society is now engaged in the investigation of diseases 
of wild animals that die in their Gardens. With the work of 
the Philadelphia and Washington Gardens, where such investiga- 
tions have been carried on for several years, we feel that we are 
no longer alone in this field, that the boundaries of comparative 
medicine will be constantly extended, and that the theories of the 
past may fall before the revelations of the future. 
Pneumonia.—As in former years, a considerable number of 
deaths has been due to pneumonia. Most of the cases met with 
are well defined cases of lobar penumonia. The animals most 
often affected have been the primates, the next in order being 
the hoofed animals. A number of cases of broncho-pneumonia 
have been met with among the sea-lions and harbor seals. The 
pneumonic condition in these animals is invariably fatal. Pneu- 
monia is also a frequent complication in animals suffering from 
gastro-enteritis and other diseases which tend to lower the re- 
sistance of the body forces. 
We contemplate making a special study of pneumonia during 
the coming year, especially among the primates, where its rav- 
ages are most serious. Bacteriological investigations will be made 
to determine whether the pneumococcus is constantly present in 
these cases, or whether many other infective agents may not con- 
tribute to the disease. 
Gastro-Enteritis—Fewer deaths from gastro-enteritis have oc- 
curred during 1906 than in any previous year. Among the buf- 
falo herd, where this disease has previously been so troublesome, 
no deaths are to be recorded. Throughout the past vear the herd 
has been maintained in fine condition. 
