FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS. 
4 77 
was “ quite twelve years old, with scarcely a tooth in its 
head; of a harmless disposition, and had suckled at one and 
the same time a pup, a kitten, and a rabbit.” 
Veterinary Reports and Cattle Diseases. —Sir 
J. C. Jervoise, in his place in the House of Commons, 
has called attention to the charge for expenses connected with 
the inspection of cattle and sheep to prevent the spread of 
disease, and maintained that the statements in the blue- 
book were calculated to create a panic among agriculturalists. 
Every fifth animal, and by consequence every fifth mutton 
chop, was stated to be diseased, while there was not only 
death in the pot, but in the pail. The total loss by pre¬ 
ventive diseases in cattle was estimated at £6,000,000 yearly. 
He wished to know who was to be held responsible for such 
statements, inasmuch as the medical officer who had des¬ 
patched eminent veterinary surgeons on commissions of 
inquiry, not only through this country, but abroad, discon¬ 
nected himself in a note at the end of his report from the 
opinions put forward by them. The epidemic diseases were 
attributed in the blue-book to contagion originally of foreign 
origin, whereas the medical officer attached to the customs 
department reported that not a single case of smallpox in 
sheep had entered this country. 
Mr. Bruce said the Secretary to the Treasury had 
already explained from what source the cost of these in¬ 
quiries was defrayed. The hon. member seemed not to deny 
the great ability and clearness of the reports, but apparently 
objected to the manner in which they were compiled. The 
subject of diseases in cattle was one upon which a great 
variety of opinions existed, and it was now receiving the at¬ 
tention of a select committee. 
A British Doctor of 1612 on Eggs. —“Eggesbeof 
that kinde of meate which in a little quantitie nourish much, 
as Aviceri writeth. Wherefore they are reckoned in Scho. 
Sal., together with other nourishing things, as followeth: 
‘ Ova recentia, vina rubentia, pinguia jura, 
Cum simula pura, naturae sunt valitura. 
That is to saie, new laied egges, chiefly the yolkes, red wine, 
and potage or broth of good flesh, as of mutton, veale, capon, 
or chicken, especially being made with fine flower or grated 
bread ; these are very comfortable and restorative for man's 
bo die, and these three would I wish to be much used of 
students, for they most neede nourishing matter.” 
