DISEASES OF THE BLOOD 165 



through the air and carried about, probably aggregated 

 into spore clouds. Of this nature may be some " blights," 

 for often the presence of fungus mycelium has been re- 

 corded as a feature of anthracogenic pastures. Com- 

 munication of anthrax by true infection is not generally 

 admitted ; certainly mediate and immediate contagion best 

 explain the phenomena of almost every outbreak. It is 

 certain that once the bacilli gain entry into the system 

 they will be little, if at all, influenced in their progress of 

 invasion by medicinal agents. Chlorate of potash, hypo- 

 sulphite of soda, and carbolic acid maybe tried in various 

 cases in the endeavour to accomplish internal disinfection ; 

 as yet we cannot hold out prospects of success. 



Prophylactic means are most important. M. Chauveau 

 has shown that certain breeds of sheep have immunity 

 from anthrax, and this question of pathological immunity 

 of special races promises to give good results in the future. 

 All pastures known to be favorable to the development of 

 anthrax ought to be kept free from cattle for a number 

 of years. All animals dying from anthrax should be re- 

 moved from the pasture before post-mortem examination. 

 The carcases should be burned in the hides, or, the skins 

 having been thoroughly slashed with cross-cuts, should be 

 buried in quicklime. Ordinary burial is not sufficient, for 

 Feser's researches show that the spores of the bacilli pass 

 to the surface of the superincumbent ground (some say 

 they are carried thither by earth-worms) ; thus, each 

 grave becomes a fruitful centre of contagion. All ejecta, 

 blood, &c., from diseased animals should be collected and 

 mixed with quick lime. All stables, sheds, &c., occupied 

 by cattle affected with anthrax should be thoroughly dis- 

 infected. Pigs, dogs, and poultry should not be allowed 

 to feed on blood, flesh, and ejecta of anthrax victims. 

 Attendants should be warned that the disease is com- 

 municable to man by inoculation, and every care should be 

 taken in making post-mortem examinations of these cases. 

 The time-honoured method of prevention is a full bleed- 

 ing and insertion of a seton in the dewlap. The former 

 means we are not inclined to consider of the slightest 



