328 The most simple means of employing dead Animals. 



or are subject to any disease which can be attributed to these sub- 

 stances. 



It is therefore a great error to regard these professions as unwhole- 

 some. Numerous reports of learned men ; of physicians, and ad- 

 ministrative authorities, have proved that the most infected establish- 

 ments, where are employed animal matters often in a state of putre- 

 faction, and especially catgut manufactories, slaughter houses for 

 horses, and the shops of glue makers, are in general not at all unwhole- 

 some. But we are to understand that it is entirely different with re- 

 gard to vegetable matters (remains of plants) in fermentation, alone, 

 or mixed with animal matter ; thus the pits in which hemp is steep- 

 ed ; muddy marshes ; deposits of soap suds ; clearings of ponds, 

 gutters, or canals, may give rise to disease even at considerable 

 distances. 



We have said that one distemper alone, after having caused the 

 death of animals may be dangerous to those who flay their carcasses, 

 independently of the accidents which happen by a puncture or 

 wound aiding the communication of the disease. The distemper of 

 which we speak is known by the name of Carbuncle because it often 

 gives rise to tumors, which when they are accompanied with sores 

 are covered ordinarily with blackish crusts. Animals attacked with 

 carbuncle evince a deep sadness, their sides are greatly agitated ; 

 we observe in different parts of their bodies, especially on the breast 

 and near the sides, swellings or tumors, which cause them a great 

 deal of pain, and which sometimes when they are touched sound 

 like dry skin ; death sometimes ensues in twenty four hours. The 

 tongue is then black, and the blood and flesh very brown. Finally, for 

 fear that there should be any uncertainty, even when we think that 

 carbuncle could not be recognized by the preceding indications, it 

 will be proper always to consult a veterinary surgeon, and in case there 

 should remain any doubts concerning the nature of the distemper, 

 we should abstain from cutting up the animal. In the latter case, 

 and if the contagious nature of the disease should be apparent we 

 should bury the dead animal two feet under ground. In order to 

 convey it to the grave, a hurdle or an old door should be used, and 

 a hook fixed in the end of a long handle in order to prevent the 

 blood and exuviae from being scattered over the soil during the 

 passage, and to avoid touching the carcase. The place of inter- 

 ment, should be marked in some particular manner. Grain may be 

 conveniently sown over it in order to profit by its powerful subterranean 



