124 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



A few personal experiences speak for the value of cleanli- 

 ness, disinfection and isolation as an almost sure means to 

 prevent the generalization of this trouble over the pregnant 

 cows of a herd. 



We have read the evidence. What conclusions must we 

 draw? 



1st. That we have to do with a very difficult task, which 

 empirical observation can never solve, and which therefore 

 requires the best scientific ability which the State can com- 

 mand ; ability is necessary even if foreign to the State. 



2d. Being a general evil it is the duty of the State to 

 undertake the work of discovering its true cause. 



3d. Experiments with ergot or ergotized material should 

 be carried on. 



4th. The nature of the cause. How does it originate? 

 What is the character of its action, infectious, contagious or 

 mixed ? 



5th. Even though micro-organisms may be, and probably 

 are the cause, we must warn against any one being too san- 

 guine as to their successful isolation and cultivation. The 

 cow's vagina will be found plentifully supplied at all times 

 with representatives of varieties enough to satisfy any one 

 on account of the loose oppositional contact of the vulvo- 

 vaginal walls. 



6th. Can other septic material, such as decayed meat 

 suspended in water, cause abortion in pregnant cows at the 

 seventh month of pregnancy, which seems to be the period 

 to select for experimentation. The same should be tried by 

 vaginal injections with the ordinary filth and refuse of the 

 stable-manure and urine. 



7th. These materials, as well as the lochial discharges from 

 aborted cows, should be tried upon pregnant mares, sheep, 

 dogs, swine, etc. 



8th. The lochial discharge from non-aborted cattle should 

 also be tried upon such as have been known to have aborted 

 at the previous pregnancy. 



9th. Does the condition of the mouth and neck of the 

 womb favor parasitic immigration into its cavity. 



10th. What are the conditions of the foetus and foetal mem- 

 brane at such times, with reference to germs, pathological 



