518 PRIZE ESSAY : — PLEURO-PNEUMONIA AMONG CATTLE. 
unhealthiness of the premises, as to the effects of infection. In 
some of the cases of disease which we have related, viz. 17, 20, 
21, &c., the origin could not be traced to the effects of infection; 
and that circumstance adds to the importance we should attach to 
the conditions in which isolated animals are placed as regards their 
liability to disease. 
To dwell longer on this head would expose us to repetition 
when we bring the next subject to be treated under consideration. 
Precautions against Infection. 
Without discussing the point, whether the disease was intro- 
duced into this country by foreign cattle, or whether any system 
of police could have prevented that introduction, we must now, 
as regards precautions, consider the disease as it is met with in 
this country. The facts I have brought forward tend to shew that 
the disorder is principally propagated by fairs and markets ; and 
I should recommend the buyer, whenever he is in doubt about 
any stock he is anxious to purchase, to consult those who are 
familiar with the premonitory symptoms of the disease. But if 
he should be so unfortunate as to purchase animals affected with 
the malady, or exhibit any tendency thereto, he would do well to 
first lodge them in a well-ventilated and warm building, apart 
from other stock ; and, contrary to the plan usually adopted, 
the air should be accessible from the upper part more especially. 
Particular attention should also be paid to the diet, which should 
be of a light and nutritious character, such as boiled linseed, boiled 
turnips, carrots, bran-mashes, &c. ; but upon no consideration 
should hay, straw, or dry chaff, be given, which articles of food we 
have repeatedly observed to produce considerable irritation of the 
respiratory tract. 
The importance of medical treatment in the first stage has been 
sufficiently pointed out to shew that as little delay as possible 
should be had in having recourse to it. Those individuals who 
are in the habit of attending upon such cattle should wear a loose 
external garment during the time they remain with them, and 
should not be allowed to approach other stock without first taking 
it off. Although we have no proofs that the disease is com- 
municable by contagion, yet the facts that have fallen under our 
observation warrant me in recommending this change of garment. 
As regards precautions to be taken with healthy cattle, I should 
recommend all those causes I have particularly pointed out as pre- 
disposing to be avoided, but especially confinement of numerous 
animals in ill-ventilated and narrow buildings, bad food, impure 
water, exposure to cold east winds, & c. 
