20G 
ON THE STOMACHS OF RUMINANTS. 
COWS, that, at grass particularly, a very great portion of the food 
never returns by the esophagus, but passes directly forward; 
and that the second stomach has the power of separating such 
parts as are sufficiently chewed from those which are not, and of 
directing them on their separate destinations, a circumstance no 
more incompatible with reason than the fact of at all separating 
the contents of the stomach into pellets, for the purpose of ru¬ 
mination. 
From what I have ascertained on this subject, I would infer, 
that it is absolutely necessary to send the medicine given into 
the rumen; that the ordinary means of giving it is not always 
sufficient for this purpose; and that death is not unfrequently 
the consequence of this failure. And I would most respectfully 
request any veterinary surgeon who may have the opportunity, 
to turn his attention to the subject, that, if possible, a decidedly 
certain, and the best means of administerino* medicine so as to 
enter the first stomach under any circumstances, may be com¬ 
municated to the profession generally throngh the medium of 
your pages. 
I am persuaded that experiments similar to those I have 
mentioned might be instituted, so as to add considerably to our 
acquaintance with the economy of ruminant animals; and I 
earnestly hope to hear of such being carried into effect, and to 
an extent that may ensure perfect conviction. I offer these ob¬ 
servations as introductory to better matter, and by no means 
conclusive ; but with a hope to benefit myself by the exertions 
of others, to which they may possibly give rise. 
I offer no apology to you in sending these desultory and 
unconnected remarks in their native wildness of growth ; know¬ 
ing that the axe and the pruning-knife are both in your posses¬ 
sion. But I offer you instead, free leave to make use of either. 
Mr. Friend might be assured that neither the axe nor the 
pruning-knife would be applied to a production like this. The 
editor on whose physiology of the stomachs of cattle he ani¬ 
madverts, cordially thanks him for this communication ; and will 
gladly, and with perfect good-feeling, meet him on this ground 
in the next Veterinarian, the present one being too full. 
Hie patet ingeniis campus : certusque nierenti 
Stat favor: ornatur propriis industria donis. 
