SECRETARY'S REPORT. 43 



better than removing the affected, as tliere might be something in the 

 place where the disease first appeared to induce it. In altering the 

 circumstances we might remove some secondary causes. Next, as to 

 bringing the system into a healthy condition, and, if possible, to rid it of 

 the morbific matter : first, a mild purgative should be employed, to 

 induce action of the bowels ; second, some agent to act on the urinary 

 organs. The nitrate of potash (1-4 to 1-2 an ounce daily for two or 

 three days) was as good as any thing for this purpose. Thus the 

 system would be gently cleansed. Third, for the encouragement of the 

 production of pure and healthy blood, some kind of stimulant might be 

 used, as sulphate of iron, or the oil of turpentine. Fourth, feed the 

 animals generously. The early adoption of these means would often 

 rid a herd of the disease. 



To sum up, the disease is contagious ; it is an epidemic, or epizootic ; 

 it is never cured ; it had many secondary causes. Amongst these he 

 would mention the travelling of animals. He would recommend when 

 fresh beasts were brought, that they should be kept entirely away 

 from other stock for three weeks, by which time the disease would 

 manifest itself. If it broke out let it be remembered that it was Si fatal 

 disease." 



Respectfully submitted. 



Paoli Lathrop, 



Amasa Walker, 



Cyrus Knox, 



George B. Loring, 



Elbridge G. Morton, 



Commissioners . 



Office of the State Board of Agriculture, > 

 Boston, January 8, 1860. I 



The Board of Medical Examiners appointed in accordance 

 with the law to examine into the disease, presented the following 



REPORT. 



To the Senate mid House of Representatives of the Common- 



icealtk of Massachusetts : 



In the summer and autumn of 1859, there appeared among 

 the cattle at Belmont, North Brookfield and vicinity, a disease 

 so fatal that from thirty to forty per cent, of those attacked 

 died. It continued unchecked through the winter and spring. 



