MALIGKANT EPIZOOTIC CATAEEH. 323 



grain was dissolved in two ounces of water, and one-half 

 onnce of the water (or one-eighth, of a grain of corrosive 

 sublimate) was exhibited in a day, in two doses. 



As constipation existed in most of the cases, it was 

 thought that the bowels Tequired to be stimulated into 

 action, and slightly evacuated by' a mild laxative. Having 

 noticed in similar oases of debility and torpor of the intestinal 

 canal, that purgation is often followed' by a serious diarrhea, 

 difficult to correct, and leading to rapid prostration, and there 

 being no intestinal irritation to suffer additional excitement, I 

 thought that rhubarb — from its well known tendency to give 

 tone to the bowels, and its secondary effect as a mild astrin- 

 gent — was particularly indicated. It was given in a decoction 

 — rthe equivalent of ten or fifteen grains at a dose — accompa- 

 nied with ginger and gentian, in infusion. To a portion of 

 the sheep I administered the rhubarb and its adjuvants alone ; 

 to others I gave the bi-chloride of mercury in addition. 



Not a single sheep recovered after" the emaciation and 

 debUity had proceeded to any great extent. One such only 

 lingered along until shearing. Its wool gradually dropped 

 off: it seemed to rally a little once or twice and then relapse; 

 and it perished one night in a rain-storm. In the generality 

 of instances the time from the first observed symptoms until 

 death, varied from ten to fifteen days. A few died in a 

 shorter time. I thought' that the treatment produced favor- 

 able effects in some instances ■=— particularly when resorted to 

 at the commencement of the disease. At all events, some of 

 the sheep recovered under the treatment — particularly under 

 that including the exhibition of the bi-chloride of mercury — 

 and very few, if any, recovered without any treatment. 

 Candor compels me to say, however, that the results of the 

 treatment were far from being satisfactory — that the cases of 

 recovery were much fewer than the deaths. I have merely 

 stated what I believe to be the facts in the preniises ; I do not 

 feel prepared to make any recommendations. As I now look 

 back on, and quote from my records written seventeen years 

 ago, I feel greatly disposed to doubt whether more recovered 

 under niy treatment than would have recovered without it. 

 At all events, I prefer that view of the case should be taken, 

 so that if a similar epizootic should recur, those called upon 

 to combat it will start without any misconceptions derived 

 from me. I have given my treatment because it constitutes 

 part of the true history of the case ; and because records of 

 failures are not without their value. 



