PARASITIC DISEASES.. 8l6 



Although the subject is very fully treated in Chapter 29, on the 

 parasitic diseases of sheep, we add a few points here, which we con- 

 sider of great interest, as well as importance. 



Certain forms of parasitic diseases, as the cystic phase of tania 

 echinococcus of the dog, are due to the intimate association of dogs 

 with cattle. The proper preventive measures in such diseases at 

 once suggest themselves. 



The Hoose, or Husk, is one of the most widely spread and 

 destructive parasitic diseases known in Great Britain. It is said by 

 some authorities to be especially prevalent among calves pastured 

 on low-lying, swampy ground. This being a fact, the necessity of 

 draining such lands is at once evident. 



ToO much stress can scarcely be laid upon the importance of 

 providing clean and pure water for cattle. As illustrating this, we 

 copy the following highly interesting account from the work of 

 James White, a prominent English veterinary surgeon of the early 

 part of the present century. He says : — - 



"I once communicated a circumstance to the Bath Society, which appeared to 

 excite some attention. A piece of good grass was reserved for some cattle, as they 

 had work to do in some adjoining land. When turned in, they were soon after 

 attacked with violent scouring ; thinking the grass was the cause, they were put 

 into some other pasture where there was no water, on which account they were 

 driven back to the former field to be watered, no suspicion being entertained of the 

 water in that field being unwholesome; on the contrary, it had always been con- 

 sidered very good, being a pond of spring water. The scouring, however, increased; 

 they voided blood with their excrement, and were greatly reduced in flesh and 

 strength. Upon examining the pond, an immense number of different kinds of rep- 

 tiles were found in it. _ A considerable quantity of lime was thrown in and stirred 

 about in the pond, upon, which an astonishing sight soon presented itself , — millions of 

 reptiles were seen coming to the surface and leaping about to escape from the almost 

 boiling water. After some time the $>ond was cleared out, and two or three wheel- 

 barrowfuls of various kinds pf reptiles were found in it. When the pond had again 

 filled, the cattle were put back into the field, and soon recovered from their scouring." 



A curious circumstance is related in the Medico-Chirurgisal 

 Review for September, 1824, on page 267, which proves that worms 

 or their ova may be taken into the stomach with water. An infat- 

 uated woman was persuaded that if she got some clay, from the 

 grave of a preacher who had died a short time before, mixed it with 

 water, and drank a certain quantity of such water daily for a certain 

 period, she would be secure forever after, both from disease and sin. 

 Dr. Pickle was called upon to attend this woman. He says: "Of 

 the larvae of the beetle I am sure I considerably underrate it when I 

 say that independently of above 100 evacuated by stool, no fewer 



