298 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
after death ; in good condition. On each side of the penis, about 
the region of the scrotum in other animals, I found two large 
tumours of the true anthrax character. Further, with the excep- 
tion of the intestinal mucous membrane I did not notice anything 
peculiar. The mucous membrane of the intestines w^as highly 
congested. The blood in the vessels was fluid. Spleen weighed 
24 lbs., liver 61^. I saw this animal at 9-30 A.M. (while still 
alive) and examined the tumours. They were cold as ice, and on 
cutting into them no pain was exhibited by the animal, nor did any 
discharge take place subsequent to the incision being made. Once 
I saw the nature of the effusion, I had no doubt of the result, which 
was death soon after. 
Treatment : Preventive. — From the above remarks, especially 
with regard to infection and contagion, easy transmission to man, 
and high mortality, it will be readily grasped how dread and impor- 
tant is the nature of the disease, and from the fact that no specific 
remedy has been discovered of any avail in treatment, it follows 
that the most important w^ay to combat the malady lies in preven- 
tion. Precautions therefore such as have been discussed in 
Chapter I should be carefully observed. 
Vacciyiation. — Having been questioned so frequently with regard 
to vaccination I have mentioned the subject in detail more for 
information than with any intention of recommending it. By the 
practice of protective vaccination the heavy mortality has in certain 
countries, France, etc., been reduced to less than one per cent. Two- 
inoculations are necessary. The first is a weak vaccine. This is; 
followed in from twelve to fifteen days by a second, which is stronger. 
The second vaccine matter must never be used before the -first ^ for 
the second might kill unless the animal had been protected by the 
first. 
The vaccinal liquid is sent out in glass tubes, sealed by rubber 
stoppers, and bear labels First vaccine matter or Premier 
vaccin charbonneux," usually a red label, and Second vaccine 
matter or " Deuxieme vaccin charbonneux," white label. A note 
is printed on the second vaccine label to the effect that it should be 
employed twelve days after the first. The vaccine is introduced 
under the skin by means of a Pravaz or other special hypodermic 
syringe; behind the ear is about the best place to inoculate an elephant. 
The elephant having been made to assume the recumbent posture, 
the hands of the operator must first be thoroughly washed with 
soap and warm water, and then disinfected, as also the site selected 
for inoculation ; this completed, a portion of the skin is to be taken 
up between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, the needle 
carefully introduced beneath the skin and the contents of syringe 
