608 
MISCELLANEA. 
One eighth to one tenth per cent, of ergot in bread may 
cause gangrene and loss of the limbs, and the poisonous effect 
is more powerful on animals than on man. In poultry, the 
phalanges fall off; even the beak is detached. In pigs, the 
nails fall off, and the animal dies. 
The dangers of ergot may be avoided, by properly cleansing 
the grain, by the hand, by sifting, or by fanning. These 
various processes would be inexpensive, as the ergot would 
produce profit, sold for medicinal purposes. ( Journal de Ckimie 
Medicate, December, 1856, and Chemist , January, 1857.) 
DEPARTED WORTH. 
MEMORIAL TO THE LATE J. SIDDALL, M.R.C.V.S. 
In our closing number for last year we had to record the 
death of Mr. J. Siddall as (s an old member of the profession, 
and a respected officer of her Majesty’s Service.” We were 
willing at that time to add more, but circumstances pre- 
vented. This, however, we do not now regret, as it affords 
us the opportunity of placing before our readers the record 
of his worth as given by his brother-officers. A monument 
has just been erected to his memory in Old Windsor Church, 
which bears the following inscription, and to which it is 
unnecessary that we should attempt to add a single word, 
beyond the satisfaction we feel that this honour should have 
been paid to him whose loss we mourn. 
As a just tribute to private worth 
Ana great professional merit, 
This Tablet 
In Memory of 
JOHN SIDDALL, 
Is inscribed by the Officers of the 
Royal Horse Guards (Blue) ; 
In which Regiment, during a period of 53 Years, 
He discharged with zeal and diligence 
The duties of Veterinary Surgeon, 
And was the last surviving member 
of all ranks in the 
Household Brigade of Cavalry 
Present at Waterloo. 
He died on the 2d day of October, 1856, 
In the 69th year of his age, 
And was interred at the 
Church of Old Windsor, in this County. 
