DISEASES OE CATTLE IN IRELAND. 
899 
The people in Ireland^ to a certain extent, are all quacks. 
I am free to confess that they are sharp as regards horses 
and cattle, but at the same time, tlie old adage a little 
learning is a dangerous thing,is often verified in their 
practice. They seem to prefer groping along in the dark rather 
than breaking through their old customs, and seeking at once 
the advice of those who ought to, and do, know more than 
themselves. 
Some time ago I was consulted in reference to disease in some 
cows, chiefly for the purpose of giving an opinion as to the de¬ 
sirability of inoculating them. After looking over the animals 
casually, I discovered, that one of them was suftering from ^‘’the 
complaint.’^ She was immediately removed, and taken care 
of. The shed in which these animals were kept was open to the 
north-east, and the dung from about sixty animals was packed 
up behind them, so as to form walls to keep off* the weather. 
This I complained of, and recommended the owner to remove 
it without delay, explaining at the same time the risk 
incurred by such an accumulation of filth. Notwithstanding 
my advice it was allowed to remain for some time, the owner 
not believing that any harm could arise from such a source. 
I was not favorably impressed that the operation would save 
the herd: however, the owner was determined to have it 
tried, and about eighty head of cattle were operated upon. 
It must be borne in mind that everything was mentioned 
to him calculated to save his pocket, as regards the disposal 
of the cows and fat stock. 
From time to time subsequently to the inoculation animals 
were attacked, when some friend persuaded the owner that the 
operation had been imperfectly performed, and as such he 
was induced to try another hand^^ upon the survivors. 
This second operation was as ineffectual as the first, and a 
third person was appealed to, who went through the same 
ceremony. To shorten a long story, I may remark that 
ultimately from seven to eight hundred pounds were lost by 
the owner, owing to his not having sufficient confidence in 
the advice he first received, and believing in everything 
he was told by other practitioners. Since then he has more 
than hinted that had he left himself in my hands his losses 
not have been so severe. 
()2 
XLII. 
