246 AMERICAN CATTLK. 



the ovaries in the female, but by the glandular excitement it 

 causes, it may also favor a re-absorption of the seminal fluid of 

 the male, and thereby the desire for breeding be diminished, if 

 not finally destroyed. That sugar has a powerful influence upon 

 the reproductive powers, scarcely admits of a doubt; but it is 

 more important that we should be more fully acquainted with 

 its action. 



"We shall, however, find that other agencies produce a some- 

 what similar tendency to fatty degeneration, if not in the 

 ovaries, at least in the surrounding parts, whereby the healthy 

 ova of females fail to be fertilized in a natural manner ; or when 

 they have been fertilized, they are, from the same cause, subse- 

 quently aborted. It is also probable, that in some cases, in 

 which the female possesses healthy ovaries, and yet, in conse- 

 quence of the defective powers of the male, fails to breed, a very 

 unnatural excitement takes place in her, that induces an irrita- 

 bility which is fatal to impregnation. In these, and similar 

 cases, the removal of the clitoris of the vulva (as spoken of by 

 Mr. E. Bowley, of Siddington, in Vol. 19 of this Society's 

 Journal, page 151,) would allay this excitement, and thereby 

 favor successful breeding. This is, however, a practice which 

 few would be disposed to recommend; and Mr. Bowley rather 

 mentions the fact of the operation than advises its adoption. 



" The moderate use of salt is also stated to have a powerful 

 effect upon, the breeding powers of animals. Moleschott states 

 that the favorable effect of common salt upon the formation of 

 blood, and upon nutrition, also produces an influence upon sexual 

 life. Boussingault found that bulls, which in their food receive a 

 large addition of common salt, show a greater inclination to 

 cover; and Ronlin states that the females of our domestic ani- 

 mals, are rendered less productive by want of salt. 



"No evidence as to this action of salt, has come under my 

 own observation, still I think it probable that we shall find the 



