324 BED WATER IN SHEEP. 



lated blood of a dark hue, which, being removed, showed 

 similar spots on the septum to those seen in the right ven- 

 tricle. The muscular structure of the outer wall of this 

 cavity was discoloured by blackish streaks and spots. 



" On arriving at the farm, I first made an autopsy of another 

 lamb, and found similar morbid appearances to those above 

 described, with the exception of the petechial condition of 

 the heart. My attention was then specially directed to a 

 lamb which was suffering from the disease; the symptoms 

 were analogous to those named by the bailiff. I ordered 

 its removal to a well-ventilated shed, prescribed some aperi- 

 ent medicine, and gave directions for it to be kept apart from 

 the others. On minutely inspecting the flock, I could not 

 discover any indications of ill health in the animals; but 

 concluding that the quality of the food was mainly concerned 

 in producing the attack, I determined on making a complete 

 change both in the management and feeding of the sheep. I 

 therefore had them turned on to a common where the her- 

 bage was scanty, and where they could roam at liberty, and 

 ordered that they should be carefully watched. On the 

 succeeding morning another ewe was found dead, which was 

 also forwarded for my inspection. This I sent to the college, 

 when the following lesions were discovered : 



" The abdomen was found to contain a large quantity of 

 fluid of a sero-sanguineous character, and venous congestion 

 of all the abdominal viscera existed to a considerable extent, 

 some parts being nearly black. The vena porta and the con- 

 tiguous portion of the posterior vena cava were distended 

 with coagulated blood. The spleen was likewise much en- 

 larged. The biliary ducts, gall bladder, and ductus com- 

 munis choledochus were full of bile ; and the liver, as in the 

 lamb, was large and dark in colour, from repletion of its ves- 

 sels and ducts. A small quantity of fluid was found in each 



