Improved Mode of tongueing Layers. 301 



to the hoofs, it restores that pliability and elasticity which are 

 always observed in the healthy condition of the feet : on the 

 contrary, when oleaginous substances, or those tarry mixtures 

 artificially made from coal or wood are applied, the horny 

 structure of the hoof is rendered more brittle, and more des- 

 titute of its organic character. 



From some recent experiments as to the results of its 

 agency in morbid affections of trees, its curative and preven- 

 tive powers have lately been most satisfactorily demonstrated, 

 particularly in that species of ulcerative process which arises 

 from the agency of the American A^phis, or bug *, as well as 

 from other causes where the bark, alburnum, and even the 

 wood becomes so much destroyed as to prevent the capability 

 of bearing fruit, from such an extensive interruption to the 

 motion of the sap. When the diseased part has been fre- 

 quently coated with this naphtha, a very curious and quick 

 change takes place in the alburnum and the bark, the solu- 

 tions of continuity [that is, the gaps, clefts, and openings] are 

 removed, and the sap's operations restored, and the tree en- 

 abled to perform its healthy vegetating functions. Oils and 

 artificial preparations from tar, either the product of wood or 

 coal, had been found inefficient, undoubtedly depending on 

 the different conditions of arrangement in the elementary 

 principles of those substances, and the natural distillation 

 from the rocks of Barbadoes. In the former, the elementary 

 atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are in chemical com- 

 bination, not admitting of being decomposed by the agency 

 of animal or vegetable substance; whilst Barbadoes naphtha, 

 or rock oil, is a solution of carbon in hydrogen ; the latter 

 serving as the carrying medium to the sap vessels, producing 

 the same restorative effects as have been attempted to be ex- 

 plained with regard to its agency on the absorbent system in 

 the animal kingdom. 



A RT. XI. An improved Mode of tongueing Layers. 

 By Mr. James Munro. 



Sir, 

 There has been much talk of late in your Magazine 

 regarding the propriety of shutting of moidhs. This advice 

 is much easier given than taken, as every one will allow who 



* Does such " ulcerative process" ever arise from the American A'phis, 

 or bug ? Do not the countless individuals of this species invariably follow, 

 not precede and occasion, any " ulcerative process" that may be found 

 where they are ? — J, D. 



