Inrcsfi'jnllonn in IS88 for tJie lioyal AgrtcuUural Society. 321 
has a very wide distribution. Cattle in all the fen districts are 
attacked to a greater or less degree every season. Numerous 
cases of the disease in different forms have also been observed in 
the valley of the Thames, and it may be presumed that the fungus 
will flourish in the vegetation of all soils where there is sufficient 
moisture. 
Next, it has been absolutely demonstrated that the disease 
has no relation with tuberculosis or scrofula, of which wens and 
cly^ers have long been considered to be a distinct indication. It is 
hardly necessary to add that the elimination of these numerous 
cases from among the instances of tuberculosis will affect the per- 
centage of cases of this disease in a notable degree. 
While it has been found that actinomycosis in the common 
forms of wens and clyers has no connection with tubercle, it 
must be admitted that it is almost as grave in its character as 
that malady, especially when it attacks the vital organs. And 
in some cases it would be difficult to distinguish the one disease 
from the other without a careful microscopic examination of 
the diseased structures. 
The illustration (Fig. 3, page 322) represents a calf from 
Norfolk affected with actinomycosis in the neck (wen). This 
animal afforded a good example of that state of extreme emacia- 
tion which gives rise to the term " waster " or " piner," and is 
generally looked upon as the last stage of tuberculosis. 
Another important point for consideration is the treatment, 
curative and preventive, of the disease. 
Wens are treated successfully by the application of various 
caustics, and the same system succeeds in some cases when the 
disease attacks the tongue, lips, or palate. But when the deeper- 
seated parts are invaded there are no means of reaching them ; 
and in some instances which have been under observation at the 
College, locally-applied remedies have failed to check the course 
of the affection. 
Preventive treatment must of necessity include isolation of 
diseased animals, as soon as any symptoms of the affection are 
recognised. The fungus escapes from the diseased parts along 
with the discharge, and infects the feeding-grounds, and it is 
essential that this should be prevented by removal of the affected 
beasts to a place where they can be treated without danger to 
the rest of the herd. When a particular part of the farm is 
infected it is probable that a top-dressing of lime would be 
beneficial. 
On the question of the fitness for human foods of the flesh of 
cattle affected with actinomycosis nothing can be positively 
affirmed. It is probable that the disease is more common in 
VOL. XXV,— s, s. y 
