THE DOG. 137 



carbolic acid in appropriate doses should be tried in case of valuable 



cattle, and purgatives are certainly indicated in certain conditions 



of the disease. 



Prophylaxis. 



In reference to Texas, or wherever this disease originally ap- 

 peared, we are as yet in such ignorance of its true cause that we can 

 not well speak of successful means of prevention. 



It would seem that the same rules which are applicable to an- 

 thrax and kindred diseases — as to draining the land, etc. — should be 

 of value here. 



The trade in Texas cattle should be regulated by national laws, 

 so that no contact between them and natives could possibly take 

 place. 



The disinfection of rail-cars, stock-yards, the proper isolation of 

 pastures on which such cattle had been grazed or unloaded for a 

 period of at least two months from the time the last Texans were 

 upon them — all these measures are indicated by the report which 

 we have just considered ; and, lastly, our present knowledge is as 

 yet so imperfect with regard to this disease, and the losses the coun- 

 try yearly incurs from it so extensive, it is surely indicated that our 

 Government should institute further researches in regard to it. 



THE DOG. 



"We have previously considered some of the most direful influ- 

 ences exerted by certain diseases of swine and cattle, or their prod- 

 ucts, upon the human race, and have now to consider some of the 

 dangers to which we are subjected by that faithful companion of 

 man, not to be less highly prized but more carefully watched — the 

 dog. It is very doubtful if mankind truly appreciate these dangers, 

 threatening not only their health but their lives in too many in- 

 stances ; and especially is this true of the dog. One of the most 

 disturbing forms of parasitic invasion is derived in some unknown 

 way from the dog. 



Taenia echinococcus is the name which has been given to the 

 smallest tape-worm yet found infesting animal life, being about four 

 millimetres long, and consisting of but three sections or proglottids. 

 The scolex, or head, is marked by a prominent rostellum, or crown, 

 and armed with from thirty to fifty hooks, placed in two rows around 



