184: Manual of Veterinary Microbiology. 



spores and these are completely resistant to decora- 

 position. In bodies from which the skin has been re- 

 moved the exposure of a large number of bacilli in- 

 volves a more abundant production of spores than in 

 those which have not been skinned. 



The bacilli accidentally deposited upon the soil by 

 diseased animals, finding themselves in contact with 

 the air and at a suitable temperature will also form 

 spores, which are preserved for a long time on the 

 surface of the vegetation. According to some au- 

 thors, these spores themselves can pass through the 

 different phases of their evolution in the soil and 

 give rise to new generations. 



The bacteridia retain their virulence for a length- 

 ened period in the blood when this liquid has been care- 

 fully collected and protected from the invasion of the 

 germs of decomposition. Dried blood also long re- 

 tains its virulence; the bacilli are brought to the con- 

 dition of latent life and will again multiply when un- 

 der good conditions of humidity and temperature. 



Antiseptics act very differently on the bacilli and 

 on their spores. Thus one-fourth to one-half per 

 cent solution of carbolic acid kills the rods, whilst a 

 five per cent solution is required to kill the spores. 

 The bacteridia are killed by carbonic acid, by com- 

 pressed oxygen, and by absolute alcohol, whilst the 

 spores resist these agents. 



Cultures. — The bacilli of charbon readily multiply 

 in artificial media at temperatures between 12° and 

 43°, and in contact with the air. The most favorable 

 temperature is about 38°. 



In bouillon^ after the first day, white mucoid flakes 

 are seen suspended in the fluid; these do not become 



