336 THE MICROSCOPICAL NEWS, 
And can only add that any one is now at liberty to use similar 
labels, or to improve upon them.—Yours faithfully, 
Isaac C. THOMPSON. 
Woodstock, Waverley-road, 
Liverpool, November 2, 1883. 
FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. 
'HE rapid spread of foot-and-mouth disease has again called forth 
suggestions from all quarters. Professor Brown recommends 
carbolic acid and a solution of nitre ; but it has been pointed out 
that while the latter could have little effect, the former is valuable 
chiefly for the feet, and even then if not thoroughly done it 
might not be effectual. By far the best suggestion is that of Mr. 
Frederick. Wilkinson, of Sydenham, who, while advocating the 
use of tar, suggests that the farmer might utilise a small shed as a 
“‘ prevention house.” A gate should be on each side, and the floor 
asphalted. Upon this he suggests a covering of four inches of tar, 
through which the animals should be walked into the straw-yard 
twice a week, or more frequently if necessary. In the case of a 
large and valuable herd such an expedient might be of the greatest 
use. With regard to the mouth, he suggests the use of hyposul- 
phite of soda. Of this, as it is almost tasteless, half an ounce 
should be put to every gallon of water, and given the cattle to 
drink. This would prevent the formation of aphthz, and render 
the animals secure against zymotic attacks. While cattle are be- 
coming infected in all parts of the country, and without any hope 
of a check, other serious cases arise in connection with the disease. 
In Norwich a large number of persons have been ill from drinking 
the milk of infected cows. Diarrhcea, burning in the throat, de- 
pression of spirits, and a species of delirium in the night were the 
symptoms. Ata farm in Hertfordshire the owner lost a valuable 
cow, but although orders were given by the veterinary surgeon to 
prevent any portion of the flesh being eaten, some pigs got at it, 
and one quickly died, while the farmer was affected by the fumes 
of the carcase, and the butcher who handled it became seriously 
ill from blood poisoning, and is now in the hospital in a bad state, 
the virus having entered his system through a small abrasion in the 
hand. It must not be forgotten that the use of salicylic acid is 
still proving most valuable in cases of disease ; it is most comfort- 
ing for the mouth, and enables the worst affected animals to feed 
very quickly. 
