On the Bloody Murrain, 93 



than might be supposed. Frequently our cattle were 

 found dead in their pastures, without our having an ap- 

 prehension of their being sick. It has now been several 

 years since even this cause of uneasiness with me has 

 been removed. About four years ago, Mr. Wm. Minge, 

 of James River, informed me of what (I beheve) is an 

 effectual preventive of distemper in cattle, inasmuch as I 

 have never lost any of that stock since its application : 

 this is a kind of lick to which the cattle have free access. 

 The one which I use is a large trough, into which is 

 put a considerable quantity of clay, and then a mixture of 

 salt (in the usual proportion for stock) together with tar 

 and pulverised brimstone ; the salt, tar, and brimstone 

 are renewed as often as appears necessary, to give a strong 

 flavour to the mixture. For fifty cattle, during the sea- 

 son in which they are liable to distemper, I use about one 

 gallon of tar and half a pound of brimstone per week. I 

 believe this to be an effectual preventive of distemper, 

 and where the disease exists, feel well assured that it will 

 prevent its increase. 



With regard to your inquiry, Whether it is considered 

 peculiar to South Carolina ? I have to answer, that it is 

 certainly endemic in Virginia, particularly in the coun- 

 ties bordering tide- water, that it generally originates with 

 ourselves, but is readily communicated by distempered 

 cattle, unless a preventive be used ; but without precau- 

 tion, we know not the day or hour when it will make its 

 appearance. 



I am, sir, yours, Sec. 



Benj. Harrison. 



Dr, James Mease. 

 V. Pres. Philad. Agric. Sac, 



