DISEASES OE THE OX AND SHEEP. 633 



may have a long bony growth on the jaw or elsewhere merely as 

 the result of an injury or so forth. 



A short time ago a small tumour, an epulis, weighing about 

 one and a half ounces, was excised by Mr. J. Brodie Gress- 

 well from a beast's gum on the inside of the mouth. The 

 tumour was situated at about the position of the first molar 

 tooth on the lower jaw. A little tincture of myrrh was used as 

 an after-dressing. The beast made a complete recovery, though 

 it suffered much during the removal. The animal was a feeding 

 bullock, and the tumour had caused continual slavering and 

 interfered with the feeding. 



We may here add that the use of the 6craseur, of which an 

 illustration is shown below, may be advisable for the removal of 

 certain tumours. 



We do not intend to continue our description further, as we 

 have already in a previous article discussed the causes, nature, 

 symptoms, and treatment of the tumours so commonly found 



imbedded in the tongues of beasts. These tumours are caused 

 by the growth of a fungus termed the actinomyceSy or ray 

 fungus, and the disease itself is termed actinomycosis. 



Before concluding, we should point out that the chief import- 

 ance of a study of comparative pathology lies in the fact that in 

 deep and careful observation of disease lies the secret of the 

 prevention and treatment of morbid conditions. The organic 

 world exhibits alternating periods of action and rest in obedience 

 to an external rhythm, and there is evidence to prove — abundant 

 evidence to prove — that hygiene and therapeutics must be directed 

 with attention to these rhythms. There is evidence enough 

 already furnished to show that the principles of Charles Darwin 

 and Herbert Spencer explain in degree some, and possibly 



