DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 397 



is about one-third of an inch to about an inch and a half 

 in length. 



It has been found that ergot is especially common in grasses 

 in damp situations, and is more abundant in wet seasons when 

 the rainfall is very high ; but even when very prevalent in our 

 pastures, it very commonly escapes detection, until its presence 

 is suspected from the animals feeding upon it manifesting signs 

 of serious disease. When affecting our pasture grasses, the ergot 

 is only about a half to a quarter of the size of the ergot of rye, 

 and may even be much less. 



If the grasses be very carefully examined towards the end of 

 July, ergot will most likely be found, and it will increase in 

 abundance in the early part of August. As winter approaches, 

 or in late autumn, the ergot falls to the ground, and from it 

 there grow several tiny mushroom-like prolongations, each about 

 an inch long. In the expanded tops of the mushroom-like 

 growths large quantities of spores are developed. These very 

 tiny spores escape, when the grasses are in bloom in June next 

 season, and establish themselves in the grain case, and proceed 

 to develop in the unfertilised ovules, which would otherwise 

 form healthy seeds. The fungus is thus established in the grass, 

 and its growth proceeds apace. When nearly fully matured, the 

 ergot develops a little growth at the end of the spur. This little 

 growth, conidiiim, develops spores, and these escape and invade 

 the remaining healthy grains of the same grass and others in the 

 field or pasture, and thus fresh ergots are produced. These, it 

 will be understood, are secondary ergots. 



Now, what is known to be the therapeutic action of ergot, for 

 it is employed as a medicine in human and veterinary practice ? 

 It is known to have a very powerful effect on the uterus, causing 

 its muscle to contract, and this is more especially marked if the 

 animal be pregnant, and still more so if parturition has com- 

 menced. It has also other important actions, but with this one 

 we are now especially concerned. It is said that when pregnant 

 cows or ewes have partaken of ergotised grasses, they have an 

 especial tendency to abort. When given in sufficient quantity, 

 this toxic agent doubtless causes abortion in cattle and ewes. 

 There have been attempts made to prove that the serious 

 outbreaks of abortion among cows and ewes are due to ergot; 

 but while admitting that these factors may predispose animals to- 



