166 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



an ounce of a diseased lung taken from a cow. In two weeks one of the calves began to 

 fail very perceptibly. In about three weeks from giving the first dose he gave another of 

 the same quantity, and all the symptoms of the disease were soon manifested. They became 

 rapidly emaciated, with occasional fits of hard coughing. In about eight weeks the calves 

 were killed, the post-mortem examination showing a diseased condition of the lungs, bron 

 chial glands, and system generally that is characteristic of tuberculosis. These experiments 

 are sufficient to demonstrate conclusively that tubercular consumption can be transmitted 

 from one animal to another, and from them to man in many ways, and especially by the eat 

 ing of diseased meat. The flesh of animals infected with this disease is not only unfit for 

 food, the blood being poisoned with virus, but is absolutely dangerous as a medium of com 

 municating the disease. 



The earliest symptoms of this disease are generally an unthrifty condition, the animal 

 becoming thin, with a failing or capricious appetite. If a cow, the milk becomes thin and 

 watery, although not much diminished in quantity; the coat looks dull and rough, and the 

 animal has a dry, hard cough. The breathing will be short, the lungs showing tenderness 

 and soreness when pressed upon. The blood gets thin and watery, and frequently a diarrhcea 

 will set in, with a fatal termination after a few days. Judicious treatment in the early 

 stages may possibly result in a cure, but is of no avail when the disease becomes established. 



Apply mustard paste to the chest sufficient to cause counter irritation, and feed liberally 

 oleaginous food that is easy of digestion, such as oil cake, together with bran mashes, etc. 

 Give also cod liver oil to the amount of half a. pint per day, mixed with the same quantity of 

 whisky. Avoid all foods difficult of digestion, and give good care and nursing. 



Tympanitis. (See HOVEN.) 



YeilOlllOltS Bites. All cattle, when grazing in the summer season, are liable to be 

 bitten by poisonous reptiles or insects, and stung by hornets, wasps, or bees. It not unfre- 

 quently happens that in the Western and Southern sections an animal will be badly poisoned 

 from the bite of a rattlesnake, tarantula, or some other equally venomous reptile. 



The bites or stings are usually about the head; the tongue or nose not unfrequently 

 being the point of attack. 



For either bites or stings we know of nothing more effectual than the spirits of ammo 

 nia or hartshorn, and this should be applied freely to the injured part as soon as possible; a 

 cloth or sponge saturated with the liquid being the most convenient thing for the purpose. 

 If used immediately after the injury, the effect will be almost instantaneous. If no ammo 

 nia is at hand, common baking soda or saleratus may be dissolved with water and applied as 

 above, followed afterwards by an application of linseed or sweet oil. Three parts of spirits 

 of ammonia to one of oil is also a good remedy. Good effect may also be derived by thor 

 oughly moistening ground chewing tobacco with water and binding it upon the wound. In 

 mild cases an onion, bruised sufficient to extract the juice readily, and bound upon the 

 injured part is also a good remedy. 



To protect against gad flies, wash the flanks and other parts most commonly attacked 

 by a strong infusion of the green bark of the common elder, or of tobacco, the same as for 

 killing lice. To protect against buffalo gnats, that are so troublesome in some localities, 

 smear the parts most liable to attack with a mixture of tar and lard, in the proportion of 

 one part tar to two parts lard. Equal parts of tar and petroleum are also excellent. 



For the bite of a rattlesnake, or other poisonous snake, apply immediately strong spirits 

 of ammonia, and keep the wound and adjacent parts constantly wet with it for hours by 

 means of a sponge. Give also as quickly as possible the following: one pint of whisky, one 

 tablespoonful of spirits of ammonia, one-half pint of water. Thoroughly mix and give at 

 once. It may be necessary to repeat one-half of this dose for two or three hours until the 



