172 
G. F. STARKEY. 
mals was due to one and the same cause, investigation as¬ 
sumed a more scientific basis. The germ has not yet been 
definitely classified. Many observers place it with the Fungi, 
while some others regard it as one of the higher Bacteria. 
Since the discovery of the cause, many investigators have 
been busy studying the nature of the disease in the hope of 
finding a radical cure. 
Such a remedy, should one be discovered, has besides a 
sanitary interest, a financial consideration of no mean aspect, 
for thousands of cattle in this country are greatly depreciated 
by its constantly increasing prevalence. 
In nature this disease resembles some other, inasmuch as 
it is produced by the inoculation of living germs into the ani¬ 
mal body. In different animals it assumes different forms ; but 
I will confine my article to its appearance and propagation in 
the bovine species, and its relation in such to the public health. 
Study and observation convince me that this disease is in¬ 
fectious by inoculation as pointed out by Professor Crookshank, 
and demonstrated by Dr. F. B. McCall and myself in separate 
experiments during the summer just past. In our experimental 
propagation of this disease the material was secured by myself 
and after a microscopical examination to confirm the presence 
of Actinomyces, small pieces of the tumor were introduced be¬ 
neath the skin in some cases while in others the contained 
plastic material was used for that purpose. 
Positive results were obtained by both methods even after 
the material so used had been exposed for two days before 
being used for experimental purposes. The period of latency 
was from a few weeks to a few months ; and the failures to pro¬ 
duce the disease by this method were none. 
The season was warm, being from May to September. What 
results might be obtained during different atmospheric con¬ 
ditions, I am unable to state. 
Observation in several hundred cases in central Iowa show 
that under the influence prevailing in this district, the acti¬ 
nomycotic new formations appear most frequently in the sali- 
