648 CON SIGN M K NT OF SICK CATTLE TO THE BUTCHER 
portion of this eff usion was extracted by the pump ; but another 
and the greater portion of it flowed through an artificial opening 
made in the inferior part of the abdomen. This being nearly 
evacuated, another fluid, of a purulent character, was secreted by 
a portion of the peritoneum that was the seat of chronic inflam- 
mation, and the serous membranes of which had assumed the 
character of those that are formed in cases of fistula. It is very 
probable that there existed many adhesions between the different 
peritoneal regions ; for, in the course of the disease, the perito- 
neum must necessarily have been the seat of very great inflam- 
mation. I think that the success of this case is owing, in a great 
measure, to the abundant hemorrhage which took place imme- 
diately after the accident. 
ON THE CONSIGNMENT OF SICK CATTLE TO THE 
BUTCHER. 
By Mr. J. Housburgh, F.S., Dalkeith. 
On looking over the work on cattle in the ‘ Library of Useful 
Knowledge,” I observed some remarks and advice on the treat- 
ment and distention of the rumen with food, that before have 
escaped my observation, and from which I beg to differ, espe- 
cially as that book is in the hands of most veterinary surgeons, 
and not a few farmers, and deservedly held in high estimation 
as a book of reference ; therefore, the paragraph to which I am 
about to allude may at times mislead. 
In page 438, it is recommended, (after speaking of removing 
the contents by operation, in the preceding page) “ that a beast 
that has been subjected to this operation, or, indeed, whose 
paunch has been distended to any considerable degree, should be 
prepared for the butcher as soon as possible, or sold immediately 
if in tolerable condition.” 
Now, if this operation is properly performed, there is no occa- 
sion for parting with, perhaps, a valuable animal for a trifle, under 
the idea of, “ rather take little than lose all.” I have had several 
opportunities of performing the operation, where the animal has 
been kept many years after, and in no case have I ever seen the 
least apparent bad result, either as to calving or feeding; indeed, 
I never hesitate to operate in these cases, whenever I can get the 
consent of the owner to such an apparently formidable operation ; 
and there is very little fear of recovery, unless the operation has 
been delayed till all hope is past. 
