672 
G. A. JOHNSON. 
from pathological specimens taken from a cow that died on 
the farm of Mr. Delany, of Fremont, Neb., which was identi¬ 
cal with the Foster germ, and so recognized by Prof. Burrill. 
With pure cultures of this germ Dr. Billings inoculated 
rabbits and guinea pigs, which died presenting symptoms and 
pathological lesions similar to those seen in cattle that die 
after having been turned into corn-stalk fields to graze. 
Thus we see that Dr. Billings has presented a strong case 
in his works alone, but further facts go to strengthen the 
germ theory as follows : 
First, that there is usually a period of six to fourteen days 
after the cattle have been turned into the stalk-field before 
any deaths occur, which appears as a period of incubation. 
Second, that the pathological lesions indicate the work of 
a germ, i. e., by the affection of the blood, as well as the 
whole viscera—in fact, the lesions, etc., all point to septi¬ 
caemia. 
Third, short duration of the disease. 
Fourth, the affection of some fields and not of others, as in 
the case of Mr. McKilvie, of Fairfield, Neb., who had a forty 
acre field affected, and lost cattle in it before and after their 
having run in other fields. (See Billings’ Bulletin of Neb. 
Experiment Station). 
Fifth, the young cattle are the ones that are usually af¬ 
fected, indicating that the older ones may have suffered a 
slight attack which, though unnoticed by the owner, pro¬ 
duced immunity against another attack. 
Sixth, the malignant character of the disease. 
Having thus presented a few of the facts that tend to 
prove or strengthen the germ theory, I will now review some 
of the reasons that go to prove the impaction theory erroneous. 
First, the many cases where there is no impaction and 
very little dryness. 
Second, the cattle becoming affected in one field often hav¬ 
ing pastured for some time in other stalk fields. 
Third, the eradication of the disease which often follows 
the changing of the stock from one field to another. 
Fourth, that graded feeding to start with does not prove 
a preventive, 
