ACORN-POISONING. 
923 
day. The post-mortem appearances are as follows : the 
rumen and abomasum highly congested, and the greatest part 
of the mucous lining membrane peeled off ; the duodenum, 
jejunum, and ileum are also much congested, and their serous 
surface presents a blue appearance. In some cases the kidneys 
are found almost black and very soft ; the gall bladder is 
filled with thin bile ; the liver is healthy ; on the heart ecchy- 
mosed spots are to be seen here and there.” 
Another correspondent from Moreton-in-the-Marsh writes : 
“ I have lost within the last fortnight about eight or nine 
young cattle, yearlings, and calves, through the acorn dis- 
ease as it is called, and of which you have doubtless had 
accounts from other sources. My neighbours also have suf- 
fered losses from the same cause. The cattle were taken ill, 
mostly, after the high winds, when we had a profusion of 
acorns blown down with their cups and pedicles. These, being 
greedily swallowed by the young cattle, who were then short 
of keep, acted, in my opinion , as a poison, acorns by them- 
selves not having any deleterious influence. 
“ My deer, sheep, pigs, and pheasants thrive on them, and 
old cattle do not suffer.” 
A third writes from Slough — 
“ I have lost seven beasts after eating acorns. It would 
seem that acorns are a wholesome food for beasts as well as 
sheep ; but when a great acorn year occurs, as in this year 
and in 1868, then disease supervenes in the cow class.” 
The post-mortem appearances are thus reported by Mr. 
R. G. Verney, M.R.C.V.S., of Blockley : — 
“ The rumen was full of indigestible matter composed of 
acorns, short grass, &c. The reticulum was apparently 
empty. The omasum was enlarged and hard, containing a 
lot of dry matter. The abomasum contained matter of a fetid 
character streaked with blood. The whole of the mucous 
membrane was highly inflamed. Intestines empty, liver con- 
gested, kidneys healthy, lungs and heart healthy.” 
From Epping a correspondent writes — 
“ I hold the home farm of the Copt IT all Estate, included 
in which are the parks filled with large old oaks. 
“ The cattle that have been grazing are some North Wales 
store steers and the milking cows. 
“ I have lost four of the steers, and I have one cow very bad. 
“ All the stock have been removed to where there are no 
