212 CULTURE CHARACTERS 



B. influenzae does not grow on the ordinary artificial culture 

 media, but may be cultivated on agar slopes upon the surfaces of 

 which blood has been smeared. The blood from man, rabbits, 

 guinea-pigs and frogs can be used, but that from pigeons is best. 

 The blood may be obtained from a needle prick and spread over 

 the medium with a loop. The skin should first be washed with 

 alcohol and then ether and the first drops should not be used. The 

 sterility of these tubes should be tested by placing them in an incu- 

 bator for 24 hours previous to inoculation. 



