SPERMATOPHYTA—GRAMINEAE— GRASSES 351 



The post mortem examinations revealed some interesting facts. The cartilages 

 on the ends of the long bones show deep furrows running in a direction parallel 

 with the motion during flexion and extension. 



Both grooves of the astragalus were partially denuded of cartilage, so that 

 the corresponding elevations of the tibia which articulate in the grooves did 

 not have cartilage interposed between them. The whole general appearance, 

 instead of being of a white, glistening color, was of a dark, dull color border- 

 ing on brown. The fluid which escaped from the joint when opened, instead 

 of being a yellow, amber color, was brown and contained red blood corpuscles, 

 indicating that inflammation was present. The joint fluid was brownish black 

 in color and contained red blood corpuscles. 



In conclusion we would say that our experiments here have thoroughly demon- 

 strated that millet, when used entirely as a coarse food, is injurious to horses. (1) 

 In producing an increased action of the kidneys. (2) In causing lameness and swelling 

 of the joints. (3) In producing infusion of the blood into the joints. (4) In destroying 

 the texture of the bone, rendering it softer and less tenacious, so that contraction causes 

 the ligaments and muscles to be torn loose. The experience of many farmers with whom 

 I have talked confirms the above conclusion, and we could multiply case after case 

 showing that the above conditions are the results of feeding millet. 



Fig. 143. Sandbur (Cenchrus tributoides) . 



. spiny bur enclosing spikelets; b, section of 



che same; c, lateral view of a spikelet. U. S. 

 Dept. Agrl. 



