444 
A. A. HOLCOMBE. 
' _ . _\___ - ■ 
swollen lids, no doubt, accounts for the lesser infiltration of the 
outer portions of the cornea, and by cutting down the blood sup¬ 
ply determines the inclination to ulceration so often seen at the 
centre. As the vitality of the membrane becomes impaired from 
excessive infiltration, the tense condition of the eye, by means of 
the contained fluids, causes the cornea to bulge at the centre, and 
it may even protrude between the partly opened lids. By destruc¬ 
tion of the superficial layers of the membrane, a ragged ulcer is 
formed, which leaves a permanent whitish cicatrix on healing. 
In no instance have I seen any tendency upon the part of these 
ulcers to perforate the membrane ; all have healed readily on 
cauterizing with nitrate of silver. Vision, of course, is more or 
less impaired, according to the extent of permanent infiltration 
around the cicatrix. 
In treating the disease, the first object to be attained is the 
prevention of its further spreading among the herd. This can 
only be effected by isolating the diseased ones before they have 
reached the second stage—the stage of muco-purulent discharge— 
for the discharge of the first stage is not contagious. Whenever 
the disease makes its appearance, stable all the affected animals, 
and put them under atropine treatment—five grains to an ounce 
of water. If constitutional symptoms appear, give a purge, fol¬ 
lowed by full doses of nitrate of potash. If ulceration is feared, 
keep a constant stream of cold water on the eye. When an ulcer 
appears, cauterize it carefully with nitrate of silver. Keep the 
healthy away from infected pastures. 
EDITORIAL 
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF HEALTH. 
We are in receipt of the report of the National Board of 
Health, which gives us a very good idea of the work done by the 
Board, and shows how invaluable are its services. It is almost, 
if not quite, impossible for the people or Government to appreci¬ 
ate the vast saving of life and property by the work of this 
Board. 
These considerations bring us to ask, What good could not be 
done were a similar veterinary body in existence. 
