FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. 
229 
development of the characteristic sign, the formation of 
vesicles, is seldom delayed beyond the fourth day. 
Professor Simonds ascertained some years ago, as early as 
1839, that the introduction o. .. small portion of hay saturated 
w ith infected saliva into the mouth of a healthy animal caused 
the formation of vesicles in the mouth and feet in 40 hours ; 
milk from a diseased cow given warm to pigs caused the disease 
in three days. Inoculation by puncture, and the introduction 
of the contents of vesicles, failed to produce any effects in 
cows, sheep, and pigs. 
Experiments with hay saturated with saliva were repeated 
by us in 1867 with the usual result; the animal took the 
disease in a mild form, and completely recoverd in the course 
of a w'eek after infection. 
These observations have an important economic and 
judicial bearing, because they enable the veterinary patholo- 
gist to assert in reference to an outbreak of eczema in any 
locality, that the affection was in some way communicated 
not more than four days prior to the development of the 
disease. 
Symptoms, Progress, and Duration of Mouth and 
Foot Complaint. 
Most breeders of stock are acquainted with the general 
symtoms of the <e distemper,” even although they may not 
have made a critical inspection of animals affected with it in 
various stages. A person who is practically familier with the 
diseases of stock will at once recognise this affection by the 
gait and general aspect of the animal ; lameness, discharge 
of saliva, and a peculiar smacking of the lips, are indications 
w hich are quite unmistakeable ; but the observer will also 
distinguish other, and not less characteristic, phenomena. 
At the commencement of the affection the animal is dull and 
inclined to stand still, with the head somewhat depressed 
and the back arched. In some cases the hind feet are 
snatched up suddenly and shaken as though to get rid of 
something which annoys. The appetite is impared, there is 
a discharge of saliva, and also an increased secretion of tears, 
which trickle dowrn the sides of the face ; the milk is 
diminished, but only to a slight extent at first. The internal 
temperature at this early period varies considerably, and ne 
test of the thermometer is only valuable as an indication of 
the amount of fever, and the severity therefore of the attack. 
A comparison of many observations has led to the inference 
