171 



that these sorts of feeding stuffs are largely responsible for many of 

 the outbreaks of disease amongst cattle and pigs. As to whether the 

 bacillus of anthrax is preserved in cotton-seed cakes, even after they 

 have been subjected to heat and high pressure, I would not offer any 

 definite opinion, but it is within my knowledge that in wool shoddy, 

 which had been subjected to great friction and heat in the polishing of 

 tin plates, no fewer than sixty distinct species of foreign plants were 

 found growing on the refuse heap where it was collected. If such a 

 variety of vegetable life could be found in wool shoddy after the 

 friction to which it had been subjected, I do not see why the bacillus 

 of anthrax, if it were in the woolly film attached to the cotton seed at 

 all, might not survive the crushmg. The meal of the Indian pea, 

 already referred to, as well as that of castor oil beans, have been found 

 mixed in these compound cakes and meals, which, when used, have 

 had fatal elTects on both cows and sheep. I am afraid that, in many 

 of these instances, the deaths have been attributed to anthrax, and 

 so caused great inconvenience, through restrictions being put on, 

 preventing the removal of stock. 



398. Bran. — The feeding properties of the husk of wheat, although 

 extensively used, are looked upon as very limited. It is a well-known 

 fact, that if a horse, in regular work, receives two or three bran 

 mashes in succession, it will be severely purged. This is due to the 

 exciting eftects set up in the lining membrane of the bowels, by the 

 indigestible nature of the bran ; and yet, a good warm bran mash is 

 considered the best food for a tired and starved animal. While a great 

 many cattle feeders consider the money wasted that may be laid out 

 on bran, I am satisfied, from long observation and practical trial, that 

 it has a very important and highly beneficial effect in the assimilation 

 of food. Bran, or husk of wheat, as already stated, from its 

 indigestible nature, has a stimulating effect on the glands and 

 absorbents studded all along the intestinal tract, exciting them into 

 greater action, and, by these means, more nutritive material is taken 

 up and assimilated from the food given with it, than would otherwise 

 be done if the bran were withheld. 



