168 
PRODUCTION OF THE SEXES AMONG SHEEP. 
independently of the mercury which it contains, acts also by 
virtue of the properties imparted to it by the general con¬ 
dition induced in the animal by the mercurial regimen. We 
are daily submitting nurses to a mercurial treatment, in¬ 
tended to act upon infected infants, and although the quan¬ 
tities given to these women are not to be compared to those 
which these animals were made to take, it is no less true 
that the health of the nurseling becomes re-established. 
As to cod-liver oil, I am not so certain as M. Boudet, of 
its owing its efficacy to its iodine; for similar effects are pro¬ 
duced by other oils containing not a particle of iodine, or 
simply by animal fats.” 
M. Piorry could not very well understand M. Trousseau’s 
theory of the action of iron in chlorosis; and with respect to 
his doubts as to the agency of iodine in cod-liver oil, he, 
M. Piorry, was enabled to refer to 800 cases of phthisis in 
which amelioration was brought about by iodine alone : and 
here it is the iodine acting directly, just as it is phosphate 
of lime in softening of the bones. 
M. Chatin suggested that these experiments would be 
best carried on by causing vegetable substances first to 
absorb medicinal solutions, which they will readily, and then 
feeding the animals with these. For example, a plant living 
in an iodised liquid will absorb an enormous portion of 
iodine, and iodine thus assimilated by a plant becomes a 
very energetic agent. 
M. Bouley replied that however seductive physiologically 
this plan may be, it would be impracticable. M. Labour- 
dette had already expended 40,000 francs on his experiments ; 
but this preliminary vegetable assimilation would require the 
cultivation of large grounds, and watering them with a very 
expensive fluid .—Bulletin cle VAcademie, tome xxiv, pp. 746, 
799. 
ON THE PRODUCTION OE THE SEXES AMONG SHEEP. 
M. Martegout, formerly Professor of Rural Economv in 
Fr ance, has contributed to the Journal cVAgriculture Pratique 
a paper of interest to the breeders of sheep. 
Daily observations, he observes, conducted and arranged 
with the calculation in hand, in a sheepfold of great impor¬ 
tance—that of the Dishlev-Mauat Mauchamp marinos of 
M ons. J. M. Viallet, Blanc, in the commune of Gailhac-Toulza 
(Plaute-Garonne)—have enabled me to comprehend the laws 
which, according to M. Giron de Bazareingues, preside over 
the production of the sexes. If I am not deceived, I have 
