ON THE EPIDEMIC AMONG CATTLE. 255 
information that may be submitted on the subject through the 
country without loss of time. 
From what I have seen and heard of the distemper and its 
symptoms, I have a strong impression that it is neither more nor 
less than the epidemic murrain which devastated Europe from the 
beginning to the middle of the eighteenth century, and which has 
shewn itself since at different periods, but in a more gentle and 
mitigated form. During the last fortnight I have had considera- 
ble experience and practice in the matter ; for in four days every 
cow, heifer, and calf in my establishments was attacked ; but 1 
am happy to say, that now, at the end of twelve days from the 
first attack (with the exception of two who are fast recovering), 
they are all quite well. The first attacks and symptoms were 
very similar. A few weeks ago the cows were all coughing more 
or less, which I attributed to a change of house and air, but which 
I have since found was a precursor of the disease. Had they 
been bled and purged at the time, I have no doubt they would 
have escaped, or the final attack been mitigated. The next 
symptoms were loss of appetite and of milk ; a discharge of saliva 
from the mouth or nostrils, or both ; swelling and great heat of 
the tongue, throat, palate, and internal parts of the mouth ; a 
strong disinclination to move, and, when stirred, stiffness of the 
limbs, and great tenderness of the feet. These symptoms are ac- 
companied by a hard inflammatory pulse, shivering, and, in many 
cases, high fever, and constipation of the bowels. 
Fortunately, the disease points out the obvious remedies — 
bleeding and purgatives ; and these I have resorted to with marked 
success. My uniform mode of treatment, and that which I would 
strongly recommend, was, when the first symptoms appeared, I 
bled from the neck four or five quarts, until the pulse was affected ; 
and afterwards gave a saline purge, composed of a pint and a 
half of train or linseed oil, and from four to eight ounces of Epsom 
salts dissolved in hot water and added to the oil. If the bowels 
are obstinate, I repeat the dose in thirty-four hours; but in the 
mean time injections of warm water and salt ought to be given. 
The action of the bowels must be kept up by mild purgatives, and 
with proper care and attention to regimen the cure will be perfect. 
If any blisters or ulcers appear on the tongue, mouth, nose, udder, 
teats, or cracks between the hoofs or heels, three times a day apply 
diluted sulphate of copper (blue vitriol) — say, an ounce to about 
a quart of water ; and, in ail cases, diluted chloride of lime must 
be largely used, not only in washing the infected parts, but also 
in sprinkling the stalls and other parts of the cow-house. Un- 
less this be paid attention to when the disorder is prevalent, and 
the strictest cleanliness observed, there will be an intolerably of- 
