229 



hereditary predisposition is conveyed. The ptomaines arising from 

 the bodies of the bacilH may possibly have a baneful effect on the 

 germs of a future generation, rendering them liable to become, on 

 development, a fruitful seed bed for the propagation, growth, and 

 distribution of a new series of tubercular bacilli. These bacilli, it may 

 be taken for granted, are not all that is required, there must also be 

 a suitable seed bed, replete with all the necessary conditions for 

 fostering and developing the growth of the bacilli. Although I am a 

 strong advocate for plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and proper 

 ventilation, all of which are highly necessar}'^ for giving healthy tone 

 to the structures of the body ; yet they will neither cure nor prevent 

 consumption as long as the tubercular bacilli, and suitable subjects 

 are present. As a proof of this, the cows in New Zealand, suffer as 

 much from Tuberculosis as those in the British Isles — yet they have 

 plenty of sunshine and well ventilated air space — living as they do in 

 the open air, with the blue canopy of heaven as their covering. 

 Though Tuberculosis cannot be cured under the open air treatment, 

 yet it may be arrested, but the patient has to be well cared for, as it 

 is subject and liable to have a relapse at any moment. With an 

 experience of half-a-century in my profession, (cattle excepted) I have 

 only met with one case of tuberculosis in the horse, five cases in the 

 pig — (animals that are largely fed on milk), and none in the dog — (an 

 animal that is a great feeder on raw beef) : nor have I seen it m the 

 sheep. 



544. Hoose, or Husk, in Calves.— This is an irritation of 

 the trachea and bronchial tubes, caused by small, white, thread-like 

 worms (stvongylns micnivHs) gaining access to the windpipe. It is not 

 nearly so common as it was some years ago. The great cause is 

 putting young calves out to grass at the back-end of the year (August 

 and September) on strong wet soils, and leaving them there after sun- 

 down. The symptoms are first noticed in September and October, 

 when the animal is heard to have a sharp, tickling, husky cough; 

 the flesh falls off fast, and the calf soon shows a starved appearance ; 

 next the cough increases in frequency, and finally becomes very 

 troublesome, being accompanied by occasional diarrhcea. Although 



