100 
THE CATTLE EPIDEMIC. 
ture at the Conservatory of Arts and Sciences, who is the author 
of the article, explains, as follows, the nature of the malady: — ■ 
u The epidemic in question raged in Europe at five different in- 
tervals in the course of the eighteenth century, and appears to 
have attacked not only oxen, but sheep, horses, asses, and mules. 
A German writer has estimated the number of animals that 
perished by this disease at more than 100,000,000, and their 
value at five milliards of francs. It has been ascertained that the 
same typhus fever occasioned a loss in France, in consequence of 
having been introduced by the foreign cattle that accompanied the 
invading armies in the years 1814 and 1815, of nearly 100, 000, OOOf. 
In the presence of these facts, it is naturally demanded what will be 
the result of the invasion of our territory by this destructive 
scourge I If the losses were to be confined to the value of the cattle 
destroyed by it, agriculturists might expect to recover after a short 
period ; but there is even a more disastrous effect to be appre- 
hended. Land produces only in proportion to the manure given 
to it, and the diminution of manure caused by the mortality conse- 
quent on the epidemic, must produce an alarming deficiency in our 
harvests. We wish to recall to the recollection of those persons 
who see no safety for France except in the development of her 
commerce and manufactures, that no increase of commercial pros- 
perity can compensate for the ruin of agriculture, which produces 
value to the amount of six milliards annually, and that, in fine, 
the first condition of commercial and manufacturing prosperity is 
the well-being of 25,000,000, Frenchmen who exist by agriculture.” 
The epidemic in the Mauritius continues its terrific ravages, and 
it really seems probable that the island will be inevitably spoiled 
of its cattle. A few herds that yet remained unscathed have been 
kept almost constantly in an atmosphere impregnated with the 
smoke of their own dung, burned with grass. This plan, as in- 
volving very little trouble and no expence, is certainly worthy the 
attention of those who have any beasts to preserve. The govern- 
ment of Barbadoes have, with the most laudable prudence, sent 
a veterinary surgeon there, in order that he may give the disease 
the fullest investigation, so as to be prepared to employ some pre- 
ventive or curative measures, if necessary, in that island. 
We know not whether the disease that attacks pigs is essen- 
tially the same as that which rages among horned cattle, or whether 
it is the difference of constitution which accounts for it ; but many 
of the former have been perfectly cured by burning them freely on 
the sides of the neck. 
[Such is the account from the Mauritius. It is far from being 
as satisfactory as we could wish.] 
