44 MEETING OF INSPECTORS OF APIARIES. 



shape, becomes elongated, and is soon seen to burst through the spore capsule. 

 it thm presents the appearance of a short rod, with a pale envelope embracing 

 one end. The rod gradually leaves the spore capsule, and then goes on multi- 

 plying as a full-grown bacillus. According to Eisenberg (Bakteriologische 

 Diagnostik, Hamburg, L891, p. 298) tin- spores are decolorized by the tubercle 

 bacilli stain, but preparations may be obtained by using the Ziehl-Neilsen stain 

 and alcohol for decolorization. The spores also stain by the method of Neisser. 



Polymorphism. — Variations in size and shape may be broughl about by growth 



in acid lia. or in media containing different sugars! These variations occur 



also in the same culture, subjected to exactly similar conditions of growth. 



Involution forms. — Abnormal forms are especially abundant when the bacillus 

 is grown on blood serum; peculiar Y-like forms and clubbed shapes arc pf 

 common occurrence; and relatively few spores are found 



BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS. 



Bouillon. — "In meat infusion at the temperature of the body they grow 

 rapidly, causing muddiness and. after a few days, a slight but not tenacious 

 scum" (Cheshire and W. Cheyne). In bouillon, with a reaction of 4-0.08 

 (Report of Convention of American Bacteriologists, Journal American Public 



Health Association. Vol. XXIII. 1898), at 37° (\. there is a slight turbidity in 

 fourteen hours, especially noticeable when the tube is shaken. In twenty-four 

 honrs. the liquid is uniformly turbid, with a very hue sediment. In forty- 

 eight hours the turbidity increases and a pellicle commences to form. Reaction 

 of the culture at this time. +0.07. After ninety-six hours the broth is clear. 

 with a pellicle, white, rather massive, and somewhat tenacious. There is also 

 much sediment. Reaction, after ten days' growth, neutral. 



Glycerine bouillon. — Media with original reaction of +0.08. At .''.T C. the 

 bouillon becomes slightly turbid in twelve hours and quite turbid in twenty-four, 

 with a line, whitish pellicle on surface, which does not extend to the sides of 

 the tube. If the culture is shaken, the pellicle deposits in flaky masses. The 

 reaction is +1.2. In thirty-six hours the turbidity clears, leaving the media 

 bright, with a smooth, thin, tenacious, and white pellicle on the surface. In 

 many cases the pelliee becomes very wrinkled and greasy looking. At the end 

 of eight days the reaction is +2.2. and the bouillon is several shades darker in 

 color, but quite clear. The reaction after fourteen day's growth is +4.2. At 

 •_'_ < '. the same changes occur, but growth is slower. The bacilli are relatively 

 less numerous than in bouillon and are slightly shorter and thicker. 



Glucose bouillon. — With a reaction of +2. at 37° ('.. the broth is more turbid 

 than plain bouillon after fourteen hours' growth: and in twenty-four hours the 

 sediment is heavy and turbidity very marked, but no pellicle. In forty-eight 

 hours the media is opaque and cloudy, and the pellicle is beginning to form. In 

 ninety-six hours the broth is less cloudy, but the sediment is heavier, and a 

 while, thick pellicle is formed. It is often wrinkled, but not quite so much so as 

 that on the glycerine broth. Reaction of broth after ten days' growth. +4.6. 

 The bacilli are occasionally clubbed, and Y-like forms may occur. They average 

 5 ix in length and may be slightly curved. 



Lactose bouillon. — With a reaction of +1.06, at -".7 C, the growth resembles 

 that of plain bouillon for the first t went y-fonr hours; but at the end of forty- 

 eight hours, it is more turbid. In ninety-six hours, a tenacious pellicle forms. le<s 

 massive than that on glucose broth. Reaction after ten days' growth. +2.4. The 

 bacilli average 3.5 n in length. 



Saccharost bouillon. — With a reaction of —1. at .".7 <'.. the turbidity and 

 sediment are heavier than any of the other bouillon-. In forty-eight hours the 



