472 
Abortion in Cows. 
Fig. 4. 
Fig. 3 
over a field, but in patches, 
which are generally in 
sheltered and shady places, 
as under trees, hedges, &c. 
This accounts for part of 
a herd remaining healthy 
whilst others are attacked. 
I have seen it stated 
"that when abortions take 
place in the spring months 
they cannot be due to 
ergot, as it is not then 
present." This, I think, 
is incorrect, as it certainly 
may be present, though 
not easily visible. I have 
records of abortions taking 
place in every month of the 
year — the spring months 
being by no means less 
favourable to this disease 
than others. 
Ergot may be, and pro- 
bably is, eaten in three 
periods of its growth. 
1. In its very young 
state, when its host is mo- 
derately tender and suc- 
culent. 
2. When it has nearly 
or quite attained its full 
growth, but is still at- 
tached to the stem of. its 
host, which has now be- 
come somewhat ^old and 
tough. 
3. When it has fallen 
from the stem to the sur- 
rounding herbage. 
In the first stage it may 
sometimes be eaten ; but 
even then the grass must 
be past its (lowering stage, 
and cows do not readily 
Jiye.Sccalecereale.Unn. Awnless Darnel, Xo/tum eat SUch StemS if there 
Spike Uaringseveral Ergots. «™ ^^^^^^ of SUrroundillg 
