270 ACCOUNT OF THE EPIDEMIC AMONG CATTLE, 
of scarlatina, in others typhus, and others fevers of the human 
species — the result of a combination of the gaseous exhalations 
from the lungs and skin of the animals, the fseces, and urine, 
and the saturated state of the floors of the sheds or houses. 
It was found that low damp situations were the most productive 
of these diseases, the vitiated atmosphere being condensed, and not 
so readily dispersed and diluted by currents of air and winds ; 
and it was therefore advisable that immediate removal of the 
disordered animals should take place from the spot, and, if possible, 
to a drier situation ; and that, if rendered still more so by litter 
of any kind, the symptoms would be mitigated, and medical 
treatment more likely to prevail. 
He also considered that a change of diet would be desirable, it 
being probable that the vegetable food, especially that eaten in 
the early part of the morning, might retain the exalations, and 
thus also convey the miasma into the system. 
With respect to treatment, he had nothing to add to the remarks 
he had communicated to the members on a former occasion, ex- 
cepting to recommend more urgently the closest examination of 
the stock, at least two or three times a day, and the immediate 
bleeding of the animals on the slightest indication of disease. He 
added, that inflammatory action was so violent and rapid in its 
progress, and so general in its attack, that disorganization of some 
of the most important vital organs speedily ensued, or infusion into 
the cavities of the chest, abdomen, or brain supervened, and ren- 
dered medical treatment then seldom available. 
Ocular inspection has proved that a great number of cattle 
exposed for sale at Smithfield and other markets are labouring 
under the epidemic. In Norfolk and other counties, it is said to be 
committing havoc. Vast numbers of animals have died upon the 
roads. The sheep are not yet affected to any considerable extent. 
The Custom-house officers have received the most stringent in- 
structions to admit no animal from abroad tainted with the slightest 
appearance of the malady. Even though Custom-house officials 
could be supposed possessed of sufficient knowledge of domestic 
animals, this precaution would still be much akin to that of guarding 
the stable after the steed is stolen. 
For our own part, says a valuable writer, our duty as the organ of 
the Scottish farmers is sufficiently clear. That disease which was not 
barred out by the German ocean, is not likely to hesitate at the 
narrow streamlet of the Tweed. We fear much that the epidemic 
is now, and has for some time past, been pursuing its silent pro- 
gress. We know, from the mouths of informants of undoubted 
credit, that it has made its appearance in the Scottish markets. 
In some of them, to which we will not at present particularly 
