330 PATHOGENIC BACTERIA. 



perhaps identical, organism in the erysipelatous disease 

 which attacks the swine of many parts of Europe. 



There seem to be certain slight morphological and 

 developmental differences between these two organisms, 

 but Baumgarten, Gunther, Sternberg, and others have 

 regarded them as insufficient for the formation of sepa- 

 rate species, and have boldly described the organisms as 

 identical. The described differences are, indeed, so very 

 small that I think it well to follow in the path of the 

 observers mentioned, pointing out in the description 

 such points of difference as may arise. 



The bacilli are extremely minute, measuring about 

 i.o x 0.2 p (Sternberg). Fliigge, Frankel, and Eisenberg 

 find the Bacillus erysipelas suis somewhat shorter and 

 stouter than that of mouse-septicemia : there seems to 

 be a division of opinion upon this point. 



Sporulation has been described by some observers, but 

 nothing definite seems to be known upon this point. 



Motility is ascribed by some (Schottelius and Frankel) 

 to the Bacillus erysipelas suis, and is denied to the bacillus 

 of mouse-septicemia by others. The truth seems to be 

 that the motility of both organisms is a matter of doubt. 



No flagella have been demonstrated upon the bacillus. 

 It grows quite well both at the room-temperature and at 

 the temperature of incubation. It can grow well with 

 or without oxygen, but perhaps flourishes 

 a little better without than with it. 



The colonies upon gelatin plates can 

 first be seen on the second or third day, 

 then appearing as transparent grayish 

 FIG. 107. Colony specks with irregular borders, from 

 of the bacillus of which many branched processes ex- 

 mouse-septicemia ; x tend ( Fig> IO ^ p r ankel describes them 

 as resembling in shape the familiar 

 branched cells occupying the lacunae of bone. When 

 further developed the colonies flow together and give 

 the plate a cloudy gray appearance. The gelatin is not 

 liquefied. 



