SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT. 103 



treating allied diseases — and thoroughly administered to the ani- 

 mals " Zongo " and " Sultan," but without result — was early- 

 replaced in the treatment of this case by high enemata of rice 

 mucilage strongly impregnated with Merck's creoHne and thirty 

 grains xeroform. These injections were repeated twice daily, 

 with the result that the animal showed marked improvement. 

 After the first few treatments the parasites rapidly disappeared 

 in number from the excretions, and such as appeared were with- 

 out life. The patient improved rapidly in all respects, and re- 

 mained under constant treatment, but showed a sudden exacer- 

 bation of symptoms upon December 26th, when the parasites 

 again appeared in great numbers. For a second time the 

 patient began to emaciate and grow apathetic. At present she 

 is being carefully nursed and treated, and appears to be with- 

 standing the disease much better than might be expected in view 

 of the nature of her malady. 



Ever};- proper precaution as regards isolation, frequent and ef- 

 fectual disinfection, etc., was early put into effect, and to that 

 I attribute the confinement of the disease to the animals named, 

 since every evidence indicated its invasive nature. The prob- 

 able error of our judgment in assuming this disease to have 

 gained admission to the Park by reason of infection lurking in 

 some one or more of these animals at the time of their purchase 

 was recently shown. In the routine of affairs. Curator Ditmars 

 on January 2, 1902, caused microscopic examination to be made 

 of excreta from the giant tortoises which were imported last 

 summer, and for a time located in quarters in immediate prox- 

 imity to the orangs in question. This examination showed the 

 material to be surcharged with infusorial organisms, with Balan- 

 tidium coli in great abundance. Since the reptiles appear to en- 

 joy good health, we are driven to the conclusion that the high- 

 ly pathogenic organism, Balantidium coli, of the large apes, is 

 really the non-pathogenic Balantidium of the tortoise, and ex- 

 periments are now being carried forward to substantiate or dis- 

 prove this assumption. 



The scientific importance of these cases to those engaged in 

 zoological work can scarcely be over-estimated, and will, in my 

 opinion, fully warrant the most careful perusal of our patholo- 

 gist's report relative thereto. 



Our experience with this peculiar infection should make us 



