

1905.]| Means of Propagation of Mediterranean Fever. 383 
Examination of a Small Herd supplying Milk to Valetta Station Hospital. 
Goats Nos. 27, 30, and 32 were selected from this herd. The goats were 
kept at Casal Curmi, and brought every morning to the Station Hospital. 
Goat No. 30.—On June 29 and 30 milk was centrifugalised and plated in 
the usual manner, but the MZ. melitensis was not detected. 
On July 1 plates were again made, and a few typical colonies appeared. 
On July 3 10 ce. of the milk were centrifugalised, and the deposit plated ; 
four days later every plate was found densely crowded with colonies of the 
M. melitensis. 
On July 6 similar results were obtained. 
A sample of the milk was then analysed by Dr. Zammit, and found to have 
an average chemical composition. 
Goats Nos. 27 and 32.—The milk from these goats was examined on 
June 29 and 30, and on July 1, 3, 7, 8, and 10, but, up to the present, the 
M. melitensis has not been isolated. 
EKxamination of a Small Herd Suppiying Milk to Valetta. 
This herd assembled in St. John’s ditch, and 17 out of 25 animals showed 
a blood reaction with the M. melitensis, and six of them reacted when the 
serum was diluted 1 to 100. Goats Nos. 50 and 52 were selected from 
Captain Kennedy’s list. 
Goat No. 50.—On July 6, 1 cc. of the milk was centrifugalised and the 
deposit spread over the usual plates. Four days later all the plates were 
found densely crowded with small colonies of JZ, melctenszs. 
The confirmatory tests were applied in the usual manner. This animal 
was considered one of the best milkers in the herd, and its owner valued it at 
£5, whereas the ordinary price for a goat in milk varies from £3 to £4. 
Goat No. 52.—This animal appeared in good health and its udders were full 
of milk. It was purchased and placed in the lazaretto. 
On July 5 milk was withdrawn and 1 cc. centrifugalised ; the deposit was 
then spread over nutrose-agar plates in the usual manner. After four days’ 
incubation at 37° C., all the plates were found so crowded with colonies of 
M. melitensis that a reliable count could not be made. 
On July 6 and 8 the milk was again examined and similar results were 
obtained. 
A sample of the milk was submitted to Dr. Zammit for chemical analysis ; 
he obtained the following results :— 
Specific gravity at 15° C.............08. 1031 
Total solids, 14:0 per cent. ; fat, 3°6 per cent. ; ash, 0°73 per cent. 
