TREATMENT OF BREEDING COWS. 245 



breeding stock, it is very doubtful if any of the stock which had 

 been fed for any length of time on food mixed with molasses, 

 ever regained their breeding powers. It is more than probable 

 that a fatty degeneration of the ovaries took place, from which 

 they would but slowly recover under any ordinary treatment. 



"In another case, in which molasses had been used for some 

 heifers which were fattening, it had the effect of suppressing 

 those periodical returns of restlessness which prevent heifers 

 feeding as well as steers; and it kept them so steadily progress- 

 ing during the whole period of their fattening, that the result 

 was highly satisfactory. If, therefore, upon further trial, we 

 find sugar influential in checking the reproductive functions, we 

 can at any rate exercise a proper discretion in its use; and 

 whilst avoiding it for breeding animals, we may encourage its 

 employment where cows or heifers have to be fattened. 



"The action of sugar upon the human system is very similar. 

 The negroes in the sugar plantations are said to lose all power 

 of reproduction during the sugar harvest, and are permanently 

 influenced, although in a lesser degree, by the juice of the cane, 

 which they are so fond of chewing; there is also reason to 

 believe that the negroes have become relatively more productive 

 with the diminished growth of sugar.* 



"Until my attention had been drawn to this action of sugar 

 upon the reproductive powers, I was not aware that its influence 

 had been previously acknowledged ; but I find that this has been 

 observed by continental physiologists, of whom it will be suffi- 

 cient to mention Moleschott and Proreucal. 



"It would be premature for me to attempt any explanation 

 of the manner in which sugar exerts this powerful influence 

 upon the animal system. We shall probably find that it has a 

 twofold action; it may not only produce a fatty degeneration of 



* This information probably relates to the British West India Islands, as we have 

 never heard of any such influences among the laborers of the sugar plantations of 

 the United States. L. F. A. 



