CORN-STALK DISEASE. 
671 
Large and small intestines appeared normal. 
In another case that presented similar symptoms and 
lesions, the omasum contained but a small amount of moist 
aliment. 
And in nearly one-half of the post-mortem examinations 
that were reported to me, there was no impaction or dryness 
of the omasum. 
From the above I see very few symptoms or lesions to in¬ 
duce one to believe in the impaction theory, for I cannot con¬ 
ceive of a case of death as a result of impaction, when the 
post-mortem examination reveals the fact that there is no im¬ 
paction or even dryness. 
But let us compare the symptoms of this affection with 
those of impaction as observed at other times of the year. 
IMPACTION. 
No period of incubation. 
First symptom loss of appetite. 
Viscera seldom complicated. 
Rabid symptoms usually present. 
Blood normal. 
Impaction of omasum always present. 
Recovery frequent. 
CORN-STALK DISEASE. 
An apparent period of incubation of 
from six to fourteen days. 
First symptom either drowsiness or 
delirium. 
Viscera usually complicated. 
Rabid symptoms frequently absent, 
Blood affected. 
Impaction of the omasum often lack¬ 
ing. 
Recovery rare. 
Thus we see that there is a different line of symptoms de¬ 
veloped, as well as different pathological lesions, and the 
question naturally arises at this point, does the season and the 
feed account for these differences? 
To the casual observer they do not, consequently we must 
look to something else as the cause. And as to just what that 
cause may be, there is as yet some doubt, yet Dr. F. S. Bil¬ 
lings claims to have discovered the cause in a germ, whose 
natural host is the Indian corn-plant. As early as 1881, Prof. 
Foster, of Illinois, discovered this parasite of the corn, which 
was later and further investigated by Prof. Burrill of Illinois, 
so that now there is no question about there being a germ 
parasite of the corn plant. 
In 1889 Dr. Billings claims to have eliminated a germ 
