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Abstract Ri'port on Rot in S/tecjK 
With regard to the time of the manifestation of the symptoms 
of the disease after flukes have entered the gall-ducts, it is 
almost impossible to speak with any degree of certainty. A 
combination of unfavourable circumstances may give rise to 
them in five or six weeks ; while, on the contrary, the majority 
of things being favourable, even months may pass before 
evidences of rot are unmistakably declared. No hasty generali- 
zations should ever be come to on such a point as this. 
The latent stage of rot — viz. the period which elapses between 
the entrance of the embryos of the fluke and their change into 
perfect flukes and attainment of sufficient size to begin to drain 
the organism — is of the first importance to the practical agricul- 
turist. During its continuance he may avail himself of many 
means which will to a great extent secure him against loss ; 
but unfortunately he too often fails in the right application of 
these means, because he is not assured by any well-marked 
symptoms of the existence of the malady. 
Great changes in the health of the animal may have insidi- 
ously crept on; but they are none the less serious on that account. 
A loss of condition is early to be observed, and as time passes it 
becomes more and more perceptible. The placing of the hand 
on the back will show that the muscles on each side of the 
vertebrae are so wasted that the spinous processes of the bones 
project above them. The animal, in common language, is 
" razor-backed." The same leanness pervades the entire frame, 
and everywhere the processes of the bones are more prominent 
than usual. The general contour of the body is also changed. 
Often when the wasting commences, the belly is gaunt, but it 
soon begins to enlarge and grow pendulous from effusion into 
the abdominal cavity. In the advanced stages of the malady 
this gives a still further altered outline to the body, for the loins 
now sink or droop, and the animal becomes " hollow-backed." 
The general surface of the skin loses its ruddy hue, and 
becomes deficient of the unctuous secretion which in health 
belongs to it. This renders the wool harsh and dry, and leads 
also to its easy separation from the follicles. A dry scaly state 
of skin, on the inner parts of the thighs, particularly where 
it is only partially covered with either wool or haii, is likewise 
present early in the affection. 
As the disease advances the animal becomes dull and dis- 
pirited, and has a peculiar dejected appearance, with an 
expression of countenance common to many parasitic diseases. 
An examination of the eye will materially assist in deter- 
mining not only the existence but the extent of disease. If the 
lids are everted and the "haw" pressed forward, it will be 
found in the early star/cs of the maladi/, and especially if the 
