180 BOAED OF AGKICULTITKE. [Pub. Doc. 



Butyric acid, one of the results of the decomposition of 

 organic substances, 1ms been known, in combination with 

 lime, to produce diarrhoea in man and animals. 



Cystic calculi among animals, particularly sheep, have 

 been attributed to the excessive hardness of the water. 

 Calculus disease is more common in the limestone districts 

 than in any others. Goitre has been observed amongst 

 horses and mules in France from drinking waters well 

 known to produce goitre in man. 



The impregnation of water by sewage has undoubtedly 

 some effect upon animals. Mr. Stevenson, veterinary sur- 

 geon of Newcastle-on-Tyne, regards it as the most prolific 

 source of abortion in cows, and abortion in ewes has been 

 attributed to the same cause. We have no idea how much 

 it may be answerable for causes of intestinal irritation, such 

 as diarrhoea ; or of obscure outbreaks of disease which we 

 read of from time to time. It seems, at least, only rational 

 to assume that it must have some evil effect, and as our 

 knowledge progresses we shall have outbreaks of disease 

 clearly attributable to this cause. 



We have, at least, very clear grounds for stating that 

 most of the specific diseases from which animals suffer may 

 certainly be communicated through the water supply. I 

 need only instance glanders, foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax 

 and tuberculosis. 



How far cases of sore throat, particularly that known as 

 the malignant type, may be due to impure water, we have 

 no positive knowledge as yet. 



Lastly, water may be, and perhaps in animals is, the 

 most common medium for the conveyance of the ova of 

 parasites ; tape-worms, liver-fluke, round-worms and thread- 

 worms are undoubtedly conveyed in this manner. 



The amount of organic matter in water given to animals 

 to drink is often very high. I need only allude to the water 

 supply of farm-yards from pools and ditches ; the water is 

 stagnant, putrid, swarming with animal and vegetable organ- 

 isms, the result of the impregnation with animal excreta and 

 farm-yard refuse. The flesh and milk from animals receiv- 

 ing water of this description have often a bad taste and 

 peculiar odor. 



