788 PARASITIC DISEASES. 



of tape-worm tliat probably resides in the human bearer. Some 

 account of the parasite {Cysticercus ovis) is given in the supple- 

 ment to Cobbold's larger treatise on Entozoa (p. 30), the self- 

 same entozoon being much more recently and fully described by 

 Dr. Maddox in the Monthly Microscopical Journal for June 1873. 

 We now know, therefore, that mutton and beef, as well as pork, 

 may become measled ; these three kinds of measles being per- 

 fectly distinct from each other, and all severally derivable from 

 different species of tape-worm. 



ACANTHOCEPHALA. 



As already stated, this order of helminths is represented by a 

 parasite which occasionally takes up its residence in the intes- 

 tines of the pig. It is known as the large thorn-headed worm, 

 or EcJiinorhynchus gigas. The male commonly measures three 

 or four inches in length ; whilst the female often exceeds fifteen 

 inches, examples having been recorded beyond two feet. The 

 head is furnished with an armed proboscis, by means of which 

 the worm anchors itself securely within the mucous membrane 

 of the small intestines. This parasite is tolerably abundant in 

 France and Germany, but very little is known of it in England. 

 Professor Verrill, writing for the "Eeport of the Connecticut 

 Board of Agriculture," speaks of this parasite as " the commonest 

 and most injurious intestinal worm found in swine. These 

 parasites," he adds, " not unfrequently perforate the walls of the 

 intestine, and stray into other parts of the viscera, producing 

 serious disease. Sometimes the intestine of a hog is found 

 perforated by so many of these holes that it cannot be used in 

 the manufacture of sausages. In severe cases the hogs are weak 

 in the loins, and have the membranes in the corners of the eyes 

 swollen, watery, and lighter coloured than usual. The excre- 

 ment is hardened and highly coloured, and the animal often 

 keeps up a continual squealing and grunting, especially in the 

 morning. Such hogs are generally cross and morose, biting and 

 snarling at their companions, but usually too weak to defend 

 themselves if attacked in return, and easily thrown down. 

 Finally, the weakness increases until the poor creatures are 

 unable to walk about or to stand." 



