THE ETIOLOGY OF BLACKLEG, ETC. 309 
rate —we should expect, we say, to see no mortality in the 
flocks in 1858. 
A complete error; for never since 1852 to this day has 
sang de rate made more victims than during the scarcity of 
1858. In retaliation, in spite of the abundance of the July 
heat in 1859, Beauce has never lost so few animals from 
sang de rate. Although attributing the favorable result of this 
last year (1) to the goodness of the straw and hay harvested 
during the drought of 1858; (2) to the greater purity of 
the water of the ponds, which, having been dried and cleansed 
by the dryness of 1858, were filled by the abundant rains of 
June, 1859 ; (3) to the forced necessity of varying the food 
by the methodical use of substances and plants neglected in 
times of abundance ,* these results nevertheless prove by 
comparison a lesson which the agriculturist would do well 
not to forget. 
When after an insufficient harvest in grain, as in 1852 and 
1858, we see flocks ravaged by sang de rate ; when, in spite 
of the abundance of harvest in artificial hay and grains, as 
in 1853 and 1859, there is no mortality caused by this dis¬ 
ease ; when agriculturists and sheep dealers fatten millions 
of sheep on leguminous fodder, without anything happening, 
whilst neighbouring flocks nourished moderately have great 
losses; lastly, when sang de rate attacks indiscriminately 
animals of all ages—fat, vigorous, and plethoric sheep, as 
well as those thin, feeble, and languid—does there not result 
the following positive demonstrations ?— 
1. That in 1855 we were right in holding that the use of 
too succulent food given in excess to flocks could not occasion 
sang de rate ; 
2. That, whatever may be the quantity and the nutritive 
value of the food given to animals, and whatever may be its 
nature, grain, roots, natural or artificial fodder, if they are of 
good quality, they are without influence on the development 
of the disease termed sang de rate ; 
3. That the best means of preserving animals, from it is 
the use of good nutritive food given with discrimination. 
As it is necessary that opinion may be well fixed on these 
questions, we shall terminate by supporting our views by an 
experimental demonstration. 
Experiments on Feeding. 
Experiments of this kind would never have been under¬ 
taken if the superior administration of agriculture had not 
given the means to execute them. Thus, a fresh commission 
was named, fifteen years since, in the department of the 
