ERGOTISM. 
29 
above described, with good appetites and bright appearance. 
Had I considered that it would have been profitable to the 
owner, I could have amputated, I think, with success. But 
not considering it so, I ordered the three worst cases de¬ 
stroyed. The remaining five, although swollen badly, some 
much worse than others, gradually recovered and in the course 
of a few weeks resumed their natural appearance, and thrived 
well during the remainder of the winter. But about two weeks 
after they were turned out to grass in the spring four of the five 
had another attack, and in September of the same year the fifth 
was seized with the trouble again. After limping around five 
or six weeks they all gradually recovered, without treatment 
except a change of pasture. 
The remainder of the herd, although fed and used the 
same in every particular, did not show any signs of the disease. 
There is but one way that I can account for the second 
attack. In the summer previous there was much rain, and 
hay did not cure well. The grass was not pastured down 
close, and as the new grass came up through the old stalks, 
the following spring the cattle were obliged to eat a good 
deal of the old dry stalks which, I think, contained the ergot 
that caused the second attack. Why eight cattle were affect¬ 
ed in a herd of thirty, all fed and cared for equally, and the 
remaining five the second time, I am unable to say, but I hope 
some gentleman present will be able to give us some informa¬ 
tion on the subject. t 
In the way of treatment, I ordered a change of feed, and 
gave each cow an oleaginous cathartic. To some of the 
worst I gave stimulants, such as nitrous ether, adding occasion¬ 
ally a little tincture of opium and chloral to quiet the pain. I 
ordered the affected legs fomented with warm water three 
times daily and well rubbed with a mild, stimulating liniment, 
keeping the legs warm. I gave such local treatment as the 
cases required. 
Such, gentlemen, are the facts, imperfectly presented, 
which have come to my knowledge in connection with this 
subject. As I stated at the outset, I do not pretend to be able 
to teach this Society anything. 1 am here to learn, and I hope 
