Proceedixgs of the Farmees' Club. 4L3 



ing at the precise trutli about it. As a general thing, analyses of soil 

 do not amount to much, but in this case it may be of considerable 

 value ; and I move that these pots be given to Mr. J. A. Whitney, 

 who is an ex^jert in chemistry, with the request that he give us, if not 

 an exact, at least an approximate analysis. 



Mr. George Geddes. — In this case I should say that an analysis may 

 be of much importance, and I hope it may be done. 



The club voted unanimously to ask Mr. "Whitney his opinion, as a 

 chemist, of the composition of these earths, and their respective value 

 as furnishing food for plants. 



Chair. — It seems proper to me that the dissent or qualification of 

 Mr. Lyman, which was not in writing, while the report was, should 

 be considered as a part of that paper, and that the report be recom- 

 mitted for this purpose. A motion to this effect was made and 

 carried. 



A communication of much importance was then read on the 



Cattle Disease. 

 Xo. 32 CoRTLANDT Street, Xew York, Novemljer 10, 1868. 

 Hon. ]^. C.^L.Y ^Presideiit of the Ainericaii Institute Farmers' Club: 



Dear Sir — I have received instructions from Hon. Horace Capron, 

 commissioner of agriculture, to institute a preliminary inquiry as to 

 the prevalence of the lung plague, or contagious pleuro-pneumonia of 

 cattle. I regret to state that evidence has already been afforded me 

 of extensive and recent losses by this disease on Long Island, in 

 Pennsylvania, and, Maryland. As usual, its progress is very insidi- 

 ous, and whilst hundreds have been impoverished by the loss, especi- 

 ally of cows, a far larger number will in all probability experience 

 similar misfortune if rational measures are not adopted for the 

 extinction of the malady. 



It is difficult, by unaided personal inquiry, to ascertain satisfactorily 

 the whereabouts of the disease ; and as the proceedings of your club 

 are extensively read, I should esteem it a favor if you would make it 

 known that I desire statements in writing concerning the stocks and 

 localities visited hy the lung fever. The points on which information 

 is most needed from individuals are as follows : 



1. Amount of stock usually kept. 



2. How the stock is renewed, by breeding or purchase, and where 

 cows were bought. 



