SPLENIC OR PERIODIC FEVER OF CATTLE. 91 



iiaut at the inipiitatious cast on their herds, just as the Eussiaiis were 

 when we attributed the rinderpest to importations from their country. 



Althoitgh the subject of meat preservation had brought me to Amer- 

 ica, it was only because 1 had for years striven, and, to a certain extent, 

 striven in vain, to secure rational regulations of the cattle traffic for the 

 prevention of contagious diseases in my own country; and it was a mat- 

 ter of deep interest to me to find that similar dangers threatened the 

 stock owners of the west. 



The abundant influx into Illinois of Gulf Coast cattl6 soon brought 

 notices of the ravages by disease at Cairo and elsewhere; but none were 

 heeded, until it was reported on the 27th of July that Mr. E. Kichard- 

 son, of Farina, had written to Governor Oglesby in regard to the numer- 

 ous deaths among the cattle of the inhabitants of his district, and that 

 eight to ten a day were dying. Mr. John L. Hancock, of the firm of 

 Messrs. Cragiu & Co., Chicago, at once induced the Pork Packers' Asso- 

 ciation to appoint a commission, consisting of Mr. W. E. Richardson, 

 Dr. Blaney, and myself, to visit the localities where the disease had 

 appeared, and report on the matter. 



We accordingly started on the evening of the 29th of July, and pros- 

 ecuted inquiries at Tolono, Farina, and Cairo, returning to Chicago on 

 the 4th of August. On the 5th I was requested to continue my investi- 

 gations for the Department of Agriculture, and, with the Commission- 

 er's consent, had the advantage of continued, earnest co-operation on 

 the part of Mr. W. E. Richardson and Mr. H. D. Emery, editors of the 

 Prairie Farmer. Both these gentlemen brought to bear a knowledge of 

 the country, and the cattle trade, which materially aided me in my inqui- 

 ries, and they have favored me with their advice and assistance, up to 

 the completion of the i^resent report. 



In accordance with the instructions received, I aimed at determining 

 the following points: 



1. The extent and nature of the Texan cattle traffic, and the state of 

 health of the Texan cattle. 



2. The circumstances under which these animals communicate disease 

 to the stock of the west, and other parts north of the Gulf States. 



3. The history of the Texan fever, as it spreads over the States. 



4. I'he symi^toms, post-mortem appearances, and nature of the so- 

 called Spanish or Texan fever. 



5. The means to be adopted for the prevention of the disease, and th^ 

 cure of the sick animals. 



My investigations have extended over the States of Illinois, Indiana, 

 Kentucky, Missoiu'i, Kansas, and Texas, and these enable me to speak 

 very positively as to the nature of the disease, and the means w liich 

 must be adopted to prevent it. 



In the present report it is my intention to I'cstrict myself to the 

 annexed heads : 



1. Definitions of the disease. 



