716 
NEWS AND ITEMS. 
that State, in which the poll-axe figures somewhat prominently. 
Dr. Samuel G. Hendren, of Marion County, Indiana, had a 
letter in the issue of the Gazette for Nov. 14 in protest of that 
journal’s strictures. In some foot-notes the Gazette disavows 
any such purpose, and remarks that it has always appreciated 
the value and high character of the profession of the country, 
and has ever exerted itself to advance its interests. 
Outbreak of Texas Fever in Ohio. —Dr. J. C. Burneson, 
State Veterinarian of Ohio, writes the Review as follows “ An 
outbreak of Texas fever was discovered in Rake County, Ohio, 
The disease was carried to that locality by Texas cattle, pur¬ 
chased in the West by a butcher. Several cattle escaped from 
his pens, roaming about the neighboring farms. The greatest 
loser to date is Mr. S. M. Whiting, he having lost three valu¬ 
able Holstein cows before my arrival, and one which would 
soon die was killed for the purpose of autopsy. Six others 
were in very bad condition, among them a valuable registered 
Holstein bull. The latest devised means of suppression were 
immediately instituted and we are now awaiting results.” 
The “ High-Stepping Dope.” —The late New York horse 
show threatened to unearth a scandal by investigating an ex¬ 
hibitor’s methods of producing knee action in his horses. Tlie 
suspicion grew out of the peculiar conduct of his entries in the 
ring and was further strengthened by a strong odor of ammonia 
emanating from the stalls occupied by these horses. The offi¬ 
cial veterinarians were sent upon an investigating tour, and 
they reported that the explanation furnished by the stable was 
to the effect that the ammonia was contained in a leg wash ap¬ 
plied for soothing and antiphlogistic purposes, and was only one 
of a number of ingredients, of which witch hazel, alcohol and 
arnica were the others, and that the ammonia was in such small 
proportion as to be devoid of irritating effects. The veterina¬ 
rians were disposed to accept this statement as correct, but 
thought the odor of ammonia was stronger than was justified 
by the small quantity claimed. The gentleman owner things 
the association owes him an apology for the reflection. The di¬ 
rectors have clearly the right to investigate anything which 
may seem to them suspicious, and it is their duty to do so. The 
fact that the suspicion was not confirmed is equivalent to an 
exoneration. Veterinarians do not believe that it is a practice 
among a certain class of horsemen to rub the legs of their 
horses with irritants to cause them to lift their feet high, show¬ 
ing knee action and animation. It is impossible that an irn- 
