340 
JAMES LAW. 
the animal economy, whether through their chemical products, as 
in the case of ergot and smut, or through the propagation in the 
animal fluids of the micrococcus forms of the lower species, that 
it may be appropriate to throw out a few hints as to the valuable 
results to be expected from investigations in this field, and as to 
some of the directions which such investigation should take. 
This investigation will necessarily require considerable outlay, and 
the most careful supervision to guard against fallacies, but it may 
one day be undertaken by National or State Government, by an 
institution, or by some wealthy and patriotic citizen. 
1st. Ascertain the action of ergot on the animal economy : 
a. As applied to a raw surface. 
b. As given internally. 
c. 
In its early stage. 
a. As forming sphacelia. 
b. As developed sphacelia. 
( a. Before it has grown out 
d. In ergot or sclerotium form. < of the glume, b. When 
( fully matured. 
e. In fungus or mushroom form. 
f. As administered in large doses in each of these conditions. 
g. As given continuously in small doses in each of these 
conditions. 
h. As given to plethoric animals. 
i. As given to animals in poor condition. 
j. As given with free access to water. 
k. As given with very sparing supply of water. 
l. As given with shelter in warm building. 
m. As given to animals without shelter. 
n. As given during continuous frosts. 
o. As given in cool but thawing weather. 
p. As given in hot summer weather. 
2d. Ascertain the difference of its action as grown on the sea¬ 
board, and in the center of the continent; in the open field, and 
in the shade; in valleys and basins, and on elevated table-lands 
and hills; in a moist and a dry atmosphere; in cloudy and in 
cloudless seasons; in cold and warm seasons; and with many or 
few thunder-storms. 
