878 
CARL W. GAY. 
was experienced in securing growths of streptococci. It was 
observed that in some instances bouillon cultures, which failed 
to develop any streptococcus colonies after undergoing the 
plating process, would do so when simply transferred to tubes 
of agar. Throughout this work, the extremely delicate nature 
of the streptococcus growths in the various cultures, requiring 
frequent transfer to fresh media, was noticed The organisms 
obtained were studied on the various media, but in many 
instances, as of the pus cocci, when there seemed no question as 
to their identity, diagnosis was based on the microscopic exam¬ 
ination and the growths in bouillon and on agar. 
In collecting the material or in making the cultures direct 
from open wounds, all possible precautions against external 
contamination were taken. As aseptic surgery is practiced in 
the clinics of this college, all tissues removed for examination 
were obtained in a sterile condition, in so far as the invasion of 
any bacteria from without was concerned, and these precautions 
' -A. 
were maintained until cultures had been made from whatever 
purulent material might be contained within. In making cul¬ 
tures from abscesses, which were opened for the first time, the 
field was first thoroughly disinfected, incisions made with sterile 
instruments, and the culture medium inoculated immediately 
from the pus contained within the abscess. 
When we had to deal with open wounds, which were already 
discharging, the cultures were made from the points where the 
discharge was freshest and least exposed to dust and external 
influences generally, or when possible a sufficient quantity was 
pressed out by manipulation of the tissues surrounding the 
wound, and the culture medium inoculated from this directly. 
FISTULOUS WITHERS. 
This is one of the commonest and at the same time most 
obstinate affections with which the veterinarian has to deal. 
We have had the opportunity of observing these cases in all 
types and stages of development. The notes on six are 
appended. 
Case I .—Clinic case 1921, Sept. 28, 1899. A bay pacing 
