EDITORIAL. 
237 
have readied us. In the settlement of matters and correspond¬ 
ence which had accumulated during our absence, we may have 
overlooked acknowledgment to a few who have sent us commir 
ideations and reports of cases for the Review. To those, also, 
we offer our tardy but not less sincere thanks. 
TEXAS FEVER AND CATTLE COMMISSION. 
In 1868, a disease which was then comparatively unknown, 
made its appearance in the Eastern States, and cattle were found 
in the various stock yards, even those of New York city, dying 
affected by it. It was the splenic, or Texas fever, which had 
been brought to our side of the United States by droves of 
Texan cattle. 
The excitement was great. Commissions were organized ; 
boards of health urged and carried on investigations; the sub¬ 
ject, in fact, became one of national interest, and Prof. Gamgee, 
then traveling in the United States, was appointed to investigate 
the disease. His report to the Commissioner of Agriculture is 
well known to all the members of the profession. 
Since those days, no doubt, the veterinary profession began 
to show its importance in the United States. 
Following, a few years later, in 1872, the extensive attack of 
epizootic influenza made its appearance, and the losses which re¬ 
sulted from it—not only in live stock, but in general business— 
are yet fresh in mind. 
With this disease came to us the sensation brought on by the 
action of the English Government, in relation to the existence of 
contagious pleuro-pneumonia in some of the Eastern States; 
while we had also before us the losses inflicted by the presence of 
hog cholera in the West, and those which must prevail on account 
of the difficulties existing in relation to the importation of Ameri¬ 
can pork in some parts of Europe. 
All these separate circumstances and facts h ve necessarily 
stimulated the attention of our General Government, and after 
many struggles and many difficulties the Treasury Cattle Com¬ 
mission was organised; and with the confidence following the 
