EXCHANGES, ETC., RECEIVED. 
493 
Cheshire alone it was about a million sterling—it is the obvious 
duty of the crown authorities to instantly adopt the extremest 
precautions to prevent the introduction of it into the ports of 
Great Britain .—American Cultivator. 
Actinomycosis Discovered in American Cattle.— Dr. Wil¬ 
liam T. Belfield, of Chicago, has made the important discovery 
that actinomycosis exists in American cattle. He was asked by 
the Commissioner of Health of Chicago to investigate a disease 
in cattle which has generally been known as “ swell-head,” and has 
been called by veterinarians cancer, sarcoma, etc. Five animals 
were examined by Dr. Belfield, and a very short study of the 
specimens under the microscope revealed the true nature of the 
disease. Actinomycosis was only recognized six years ago by 
Bollinger, of Munich, who announced that it was a parasitic dis¬ 
ease due to the presence of a rapidly growing fungus. It has 
since been discovered in the hog and in man. It generally first 
attacks the jaws, and probably gains access to the deeper tissues 
through carious or defective teeth. It spreads into the tissues of 
the head, causing tumefactions, suppuration, finally, if unchecked, 
pyaemia and death. It may gain the blood and be transferred to 
other parts of the body. This happens especially with man, upon 
whom the parasite acts most virulently. It is supposed that its 
source is the grain with , which animals are fed. The disease is 
generally fatal, though prompt measures may check it. The meat 
of animals dying from actinomycosis is not of first quality. It is 
not, however, yet known that it is absolutely injurious. Thorough 
cooking, at any rate, destroys the parasite. Dr. Belfield’s dis¬ 
covery is an important one, and should become promptly known 
to veterinarians and sanitary officials .—Medical Record. 
EXCHANGES, ETC,, RECEIVED. 
HOME.—American Agriculturist, Prairie Farmer, Practical Farmer, National 
Live Stock Journal, Turf, Field and Farm, Spirit of the Times, Druggists’ Circu¬ 
lar, Country Gentlemen, Breeders’ Gazette, American Cultivator, Medical Record, 
Ohio Farmer, Rural New Yorker. 
FOREIGN.—India Quarterly Veterinary Journal, Clinica Vetcrniuaria, 
