COW-POX. 419 



have found that part of the skin generally cool. Perhaps their ob- 

 servations were made in different stages of the disease. While lying 

 unable to walk, the animal will still eat freely, and also take drink, 

 but does not seem to have excessive thirst. Its costiveness continues 

 to the last when the malady goes on to a fatal termination. Of the 

 symptoms which precede dissolution we could not obtain a satisfactory 

 account. Our witnesses generally declared, however, that the abdomen 

 does not swell in any stage of the disease. When it assumes a 

 chronic form, the animal is liable, for weeks and even months, to 

 muscular infirmity under exercise, looks gaunt and thin, its hair as- 

 sumes a dead appearance, and sometimes falls off in considerable 

 quantities, especially from the neck." 



" We met with no medical gentleman who had subjected animals 

 laboring under this disease to a systematic, or even varied empirical 

 treatment. All the people of the district have one and the same indica- 

 tion to fulfill, that of opening the bowels. When this can be effected 

 the animal, they say, scarcely ever dies — when it cannot, death 

 occurs. For the fulfillment of this indication, Epsom salts has been 

 administered in very large quantities, even to pounds, but without 

 eflfect. Drenches of lard and various mixtures have also been given, 

 with no satisfactory result. Judge Harold, near South Charleston, 

 has exhibited calomel followed by lard — no essential benefit. Dr. 

 Toland has administered the oil of turpentine, in doses of eight, 

 twelve, and sixteen ounces, without advantage. An opinion is pre- 

 valent, that drenching animals injures them by causing them to strug- 

 gle. On the whole, we found among the people of the district a 

 total want of confidence in all kinds of cathartic medicines ; and an 

 exclusive reliance on Indian corn. Some preferred old corn, some 

 new, and others that which had been frost-bitten. This is fed to all these 

 species of animals that are accustomed to eat it, and is said never to 

 be refused. The more the animal will eat, the greater is the hope 

 of the owner. It is said to produce purging, when every other 

 means have failed, and then, it is afifirmed, recovery is almost certain. 

 On these points we found but one opinion in the district. Several 

 of its physicians, after trying other things, had, with the people, set- 

 tled down on this." 



" We found blood-letting not in favor. Dr. Toland supposes it has, 

 generally, been employed at too late a period. Many non-professional 

 persons spoke of having resorted to it without advantage, and some 

 thought it had done harm." 



[A friend assures the editor that early bleeding, purgation, and 

 injections, have proved effectual to remove the disease m most cases.] 



COW-POX. 



Cows are subject to two distinct species of pustular eruption oo 

 the teats. Little vesicles or bladders appear ; they often differ con* 



