*74 
G. E. STARKEY. 
when it has been grown on such lands—barley straw being 
considered most dangerous. 
Among Veterinarians in America there seems to be no gen¬ 
erally recognized opinion concerning the susceptibility from the 
use of the various kinds of forage as food ; but almost all agree 
that it is due to Actinomyces and then seem to overlook its 
method of propagation other than to admit that it is by inocu¬ 
lation. This opinion is verified by the attempts of many excel¬ 
lent men to propagate the disease by injecting small quantities 
of the morbid material containing the fungus, directly into the 
venous system, or into the peritoneal cavity. There are some 
facts that must be potent to any critical observer. 
First among these is its increasing frequency in the Mis¬ 
sissippi valley. 
Second, that it affects only those parts subject to frequent 
traumatisms. 
It is a well-known fact that the germ will not develop 
upon either the unabraded surface of the skin or muscous mem¬ 
brane ; but that an opening through which it may enter the 
subcutaneous tissue is absolutely necessary. 
I hat this opening is made by accidental injury there can be 
no doubt. You will at once agree when your attention is called 
to the fact that in the Mississippi basin where the greater num¬ 
ber of cases affecting the subcutaneous structures are found, 
the cattle are kept in pastures, yards, and pens that are fenced 
with barbed wire. 
Through these fences the cattle poke their heads and are 
often slightly wounded when withdrawing them. This is the 
case where the wires are so close together that the animal is 
obliged to turn its head sideways in order to accomplish its 
purpose-—to eat forage growing on the opposite side of the 
fence. 
In this case very ample opportunity is offered for puncture 
of the parotid and other gland structures. In breaking or 
crowding through these fences the skin upon the legs, flanks, 
shoulders, etc. is punctured in the same way. While a herd of 
