Abortion in Cows. 
499 
slightly magnified after maceration in water. The lowest end 
of the maggot chamber appears full of foul matter, caused by 
the irritation of the friction and suction 
of the maggot ; and after the creature Fig. 16. — Warhle Cell 
has crawled from its hole, a pressure sU'jhtly larger than life. 
on the empty warble is followed by a 
discharge of some amount of purulent 
matter. 
When the maggot has gained the 
condition mentioned above, it under- 
goes no further great change until 
it turns to the chrysalis state. The 
spiracles become less radiated and darker, the maggot also 
becomes darker as it increases in size ; but the main points of 
its life now are to form, at the expense of the animal in which 
it lives, the material from which the fly will presently be 
developed, to start (unless means have been taken to prevent 
it) the next season's attack on the herd. 
XX. — Abortion in Cows. By Clement Stephenson, of New- 
castle-upon-Tyne. 
Recent extensive outbreaks of this costly malady have brought 
the subject prominently to the front. It has never received the 
attention and thorough investigation which, from its great im- 
portance, it is entitled to ; but the knowledge of it has been left 
very much in the hands of breeders and herdsmen, who have long 
known and dreaded its ravages. Sad experience has taught 
them many valuable but expensive lessons, and each observer 
has got hold of some practical facts ; but opinions respecting its 
causation, treatment, and the best means to be adopted to arrest 
its progress, are so varied and difficult to procure, that little or 
no reliable information has been obtained. 
Before entering upon the consideration of the subject, it is • 
necessary to remember the unnatural artificial condition in 
which many domesticated cattle are kept. Little attention is 
paid to the quality and properties of food and water, and the 
sanitary arrangements of byres, especially air-space, drainage and 
cleanliness, are often neglected. We must keep in view the 
sensitive condition of pregnant animals, and the intimate con- 
nection that exists between the health of the mother and that of 
the foetus. We must also try to realise the acute degree to 
which the organ of smell is developed in animals, smells of 
which we may have no cognisance, or that may be repulsive to 
us, have attractions and charms for them. 
