NEWS AND ITEMS. 
147 
ver, with i death only ; 183 cases of distemper, with i death. 
There were 3509 cases of colics, 2655 of diseases of the feet, and 
368 fractures. 
Tuberculosis in Prussia. —The statistics of the infected 
slaughter-houses show for the year 1895 a total of 662,164 bo- 
vines killed. Out of this number 84,463, about 12.7 percent, 
were tuberculous. In calves (less than six weeks old) 2266 
were found tuberculous out of 972,500 killed. In pigs 35,508 
were tuberculous out of 2,630,841 killed. In tw^o years the pro¬ 
portion of tuberculosis has increased by one-third in bovines ; it 
has doubled in pigs. 
Cynophagy in Tunisia.— Dr. Berthelon has studied the 
customs of the various races in Tunisia and made observations 
upon one of the most curious customs of those inhabitants. It 
seems that from Gabes to the frontiers of Algeria, dogs are eaten, 
notwithstanding the directions of the Koran, which prohibit 
the use of carnivorous meat. To excuse this violation ofAhe 
religious law, Tunisians from the oasis claim that this meat 
protects them from fever. 
Dr. W. H. Dalrymple, of Louisiana, who takes a great 
interest in the U. S. V. M. A., says there cannot be two opinions 
as to the advisability of establishing section work in that organ¬ 
ization. The every-day practitioner should feel that he will 
hear something that will benefit him ; the sanitarian will be 
sure to find plenty to interest him. Let others give expression 
to their opinions, and let the association consider the subject 
very thoughtfully at Nashville. 
Robert F. Kneebs, the American horse owner convicted 
of “ ringing ” in Germany, was released from prison on Apri 
15th, in Berlin. Seven months of his time was deducted from 
the sentence in view of the fact that he had already been in 
prison for that period. The trotting mare Bethel or Nellie 
Kneebs, which was seized when Kneebs was arrested, will be 
sold by the Government at public auction. The lowest bid 
which will be admitted is 15,000 marks. 
Recent Appointments in the B. A. I.—The following 
appointments have been recently made in the Bureau of Animal 
Industry: Dr. G. A. Johnson, of Sioux City, la.; Dr. R. P. 
Steddom, of Galesburg, Ill.; Dr. W. A. Heck, of Keokuk, la. 
They took the civil service examination in February, and have 
been appointed meat inspectors and detailed for duty at Kansas 
City. Dr. L. E. Day, of Kansas City, was successful in the 
same examination, and is now stationed in Chicago. 
