102 



DEPAETMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



the li\(r iiioi(> thnn when the opposite was the case. It was also noticed that in the 

 auimals which had been diiven or transported a great; distance the spleen weighed more 

 in proportion than the liver. When the animal is in good condition the liver is largi;; 

 when there is a depressed or lower condition of vitality the spleen is enlarged. 



The annexed table gives the results of calculations based on the tables 

 in the appendix ; and it is safe to draw conclusions after the careful 

 examination of no less than 4,739 cases. These indicate that the average 

 weights of spleens are in excess in southern cattle over those witnessed 

 among western steers, the excess amounting from half to upwards of one 

 pound. Many of the Texas cattle had spleens weighing over three pounds. 

 Some of the so-called Cherokee cattle might be from the Indian Nation, 

 near the Texan frontier, but few were from the Cherokee Nation, and 

 many, no doubt, from Texas itself. This will explain the note of interro- 

 gation I have used wherever the term Cherokee has been used, in accord- 

 ance with the information that has been tendered to me. 



It is very important to notice that the earlier observations in Augiist, 

 when the spleens alone were weighed, brought out a gi-eater indication 

 of deviations from health in the spleens of southern cattle than later on. 

 Thus the averages were — 



In August — 

 In September 



Native. 



1.38 

 1.45 



Cherokee (?.) 



1.942 



Texan. 



2.83 

 2.531 



It is much to be desired that the weights of internal organs be better 

 determined in future in all enzootic diseases and during all seasons. 

 This field of inquiry promises ample and valuable results. 



