OF THE OX. 113 



not only on the state of the soil and of the 

 health of the cattle, but also (we repeat it 

 designedly) on an element no less indispen- 

 sable to the propagation of the disease a 

 special state of the air, which favours the deve- 

 lopment and preservation of typhic miasma: for 

 sometimes a sudden change of temperature has 

 proved sufficient to stop the rampant progress 

 of the contagion, the other conditions remain- 

 ing unaltered. 



These relations of cause and effect between 

 the contagious principle, the predisposition of 

 the animals, and the state of the atmosphere, 

 evidently are subject to some exceptions ; but 

 we must allow that in the present epizootia 

 they are absolutely and completely applicable. 

 For, in truth, the years 1864 and 1865 have 

 been distinguished, if not by the persistency of 

 a high rate of temperature not often witnessed, 

 at least by an excessive drought during the 

 months which are both hot and rainy; and 

 this has happened in the various countries of 

 Europe, thereby producing a falling off in the 

 pasture and fodder both as respects their 

 quantity and quality. 



As to England, a country usually cold and 



