486 
ABORTION IN COWS. 
Tiie following circular, which had been drawn up in compli¬ 
ance with a previous resolution, was then read, and adopted after 
a short discussion on the advisability of publishing the last 
question, Mr. G. F. Roumieu expressing his belief that the con¬ 
tagious nature of the disorder was a subject upon which reliable 
conclusions could only be formed by scientific men. This view 
was not, however, upheld by the Chairman and other speakers. 
To tiie Members of the British Dairy Farmers' 
Association. 
In order to obtain a full inquiry into the causes of abortion in 
cows, with a view to the publication in the Journal of a paper 
on this subject, the following questions have been furnished at 
the request of the Council by Professor Axe, of the Royal Vete¬ 
rinary College. Members who have had case of abortion among 
their cattle, and who have paid any attention to the circumstances 
connected therewith, are requested to kindly answer these ques¬ 
tions as fully as possible in the order in which they are given, 
and to address replies to the care of the Hon. Secretary, British 
Dairy Farmers' Association, 446, Strand, London, W.C. Each 
answer should be headed with the number of the question it 
refers to. 
1. Give the number and breed of cows in stock at the time 
when abortion prevailed, the proportion of pregnant animals, and 
the percentage of cows affected. 
2. At what season of the year did the malady occur, and at 
what period of utero-gestation. 
3. State the age of the cows having aborted, and the number 
of calves they have previously had, and if in any it has occurred 
more than once. 
4. What was their condition in regard to flesh and general 
health ? 
5. State the condition of weather prevailing at the time and 
previously to the event. 
6. Were the affected beasts housed or at pasture? 
7. State the nature, quantity, and quality of food used during 
the three months prior to and at the time of abortion taking 
place; and note any sudden change that may have been made 
immediately prior to the event. 
8. Indicate the source and quality of the water used, and the 
general system of management adopted. 
0. Were all the cows that aborted in calf to the same bull, 
