204 ON RABIES. 
and terrifically when excited, with a tone of voice differing much 
from the natural one. In Mr. Strongitharm’s cow I was much 
interested in observing the effect of the wind, which was high 
and very cold at that time, upon her. She was screened from it by 
a wall only : when she lifted up her head, it then blowing in her 
face, considerable agitation in the superficial muscles was produced. 
The rapidity with which the motor nerves sympathized with the 
impression received by the sensitive ones was truly astonishing. 
I should have very much liked to have taken away the calf from 
the cow’s side immediately after she was shot. I have no doubt 
that it would have lived, and if so, that would have been an ex- 
ceedingly interesting fact in shewing whether the disease could 
have been conveyed from the mother to the foetus through the 
circulation or not, and thus deciding the question of the virus 
existing in the blood ; but, notwithstanding all my entreaties, 
Mr. S. refused, being much alarmed lest the calf should commu- 
nicate it to something else. 
The rabid sheep is less violent in its manner than any other 
animal that I have seen. In some six or seven that I saw near 
this town, a short time since, the symptoms were, a falling forward 
on their knees; pushing their nose and face against the ground; 
or standing thrusting their heads against the hedge-bank or the 
legs of any one that approached them ; and slavering and froth- 
ing at the mouth. If they got against a hedge, they would bore 
through it, and proceed to some other obstacle that fell in their 
way. They rarely lived beyond the third or fourth day. 
In regard to the post-mortem appearances of rabid animals, I 
have not observed any but what have been described with great 
clearness and precision by Mr. Youatt, and most of the symp- 
toms during life enumerated by that gentleman I have remarked. 
To ail those who feel inclined to pursue these dissections, I would 
advise every precaution ; and not to forget what I have before 
mentioned, that the true nature of the rabid poison is still un- 
known. 
In respect to preventive measures, an acquaintance with the 
nature of the virus, its mode of communication, and the most 
early symptoms of the malady, will enable the veterinary surgeon 
to render much assistance. If a horse or cow has been recently 
bitten by a rabid dog, he should, if possible, excise the parts, and 
apply caustic ; and I should give a preference to the nitric acid. 
Until further information is obtained on the subject of this 
dreadful malady, all bitten dogs, in my opinion, should be de- 
stroyed. Farm-yards, in which rabid animals have been placed, 
and litter, on which the contagious slaver has been shed, should 
