104 EFFECTS OF DKAINAGE. 



since judiciously drained, and in 1845 were 

 sfearched in vain for ergot in the grasses. But 

 in places adjacent the author gathered large 

 quantities. These meadows now aiford excellent 

 food for the cattle, and no complaint appears 

 as heretofore, when the occupant was actually 

 afraid to turn any animal into them. Although 

 this fact may not be perfectly decisive, it 

 affords a strong presumption in favour of the 

 idea that ergot did greatly tend to promote the 

 evils complained of. A careful examination of 

 the grasses growing near many hedge-rows, will 

 enable an inquirer in the autumn to discover 

 more ergot than he may imagine. In 1844 

 and 1845, there was a great deal to be found in 

 such places ; and it is notorious to numbers 

 that pigs running about the lanes became 

 diseased. 



These inquiries are undoubtedly of great 

 importance, and their value is further enhanced 

 by the fact, that there is reason to believe that 

 in some localities in France, where pains have 

 been taken to prevent ergot being sent to the 

 mill with the good rye, the epidemics formerly 

 so prevalent have diminished. Indeed, it is 

 said, that they have been nearly removed by 

 this judicious care. It is to be hoped that this 



