44 



OYSTERS AND DISEASE. 



we have no evidence before us to show how far this is so in the case of the mud upon 

 which the oysters may be laid ; here it is possible that the bacillus might be capable 

 of a saprophytic existence. The observations of Loesener, Robertson, and others con- 

 cerning the duration of vitality of the B. typhosus in artificially infected earth, would 

 tend to support such a view. 



Tables showing the Action of Sea-water upon the Growth of the B. typhosus. 



Experiment I. 



At time of mixing 



After 21 hours 

 » 45 » - 

 » 71 „ 

 » 95 ,j ••• 

 » 271 „ 

 » 340 „ ... 



No. of Bacilli 



29,250 



20,475 



9,945 



9,360 



5,850 



260 



II 



Experiment II. 



1,300 



1,105 



780 



650 



325 



2 

 O 



Experiment III 



22,750 



17,550 



11,700 



3,250 

 3,260 



455 



325 



Experiment IV. 



130 



41 

 31 



38 



negative 

 I 

 o 



At time of mixing 

 After 172 hours 

 » 244 „ 



Experiment V. 



31,200 



9,360 



325 



