WEST Of SCOTLAND VETERINARY ASSOCIATION. 
613 
ated, I venture to bring before you a subject for considera¬ 
tion. 
Much useful and valuable information has already been 
obtained by our meeting together and discussing matters of 
importance in connexion with our profession, and I hope 
that the disease which I have selected for consideration at 
this meeting may prove at least to be one of interest to all 
present. I know it is one of some importance to many 
veterinary surgeons, especially to those practising in country 
districts; but those located in towns and large cities, such 
as this, may perhaps feel uninterested, because it is seldom 
met with by them. The disease I refer to is veiy common 
in young stock in certain localities, and it makes its appear¬ 
ance at certain seasons of the year only. It is well known, 
however, in the district in which I reside, by the name of 
black leg. How it may have derived this name I know not, per¬ 
haps from the black and putrid appearance the part affected 
displays afterdeath has terminated the animal’s sufferings. Mr. 
Youatt, an excellent writer, mentions in his work on cattle, 
when speaking of this disease, that it is known by several 
names, such as black spauld, black quarter, shoot of blood, 
black leg, &c. These different names are of little moment 
to us, as they all refer to one and the same disease, existing 
in different localities. 
It is this disease, then, we have to combat with, and I am 
sorry to add that the several cases which have come under 
my observation have terminated fatally. Some of my learned 
friends here may, perhaps, say, “I live in a large town, and my 
attention being wholly directed to horses, cases of this kind 
never occur in my practice. What have I to do with young 
cattle?” If these be the sentiments of any of the profession 
here, I would have them reflect that no society can exist and 
prosper, unless its members are unanimous in assisting each 
other; and I say boldly, it is the duty of every member of 
our profession, both here and elsewhere, to give this subject 
due consideration, unless he be so far advanced as to be able 
to boast of his cures, and then it is his bounden duty to 
make the means known to all. 
We are all aware of the handsome prizes given by the 
Highland Agricultural Society, and other local societies, at 
their exhibitions, for the best Ayrshire stock; and how 
highly must that animal be prized by the agriculturist which 
has required so much care, attention, and expense in rearing 
it so as to be admired by all; and how proud does the 
stock-feeder feel at seeing so many of his young animals 
feeding and fattening so well; but alas ! there is a check to 
