LICKED BEEF. 
109 
Warble; some say that a beast in good condition will sooner develop 
the Warble than one in poorer condition. Of course that is an open 
question, and I rather favour the latter opinion, having noticed that 
poor stores beasts from Ireland seem more subject to them than our 
English stores which are in a better condition and that have been 
better housed. Be that as it may, they are a pest not only to the 
butcher as a matter of loss, but, from a humane point of view, to the 
poor beasts that suffer from them.causing a great amount of 
pain that might be avoided if only the farmer would be at the trouble 
to try at least to rid them of the pest. Of course, while the animals 
are suffering physical pain the owners themselves are suffering in 
pocket, and more than they imagine ; the loss results from the lowering 
of the condition of the cattle, and the dairy-farmer loses from the yield 
of milk, not only reduced in quality, but also in quantity, and it is an 
impossible thing for the general health of the cattle to be so good when 
suffering the excruciating pain caused by the Warbles.”—0. E. P. 
The letter from which the above extracts were taken was forwarded 
by me, according to Mr. Pearson’s request, to the Editor of the ‘ Meat 
Trades’ Journal,’ where it was inserted at length in the number for 
March 23rd, 1889, with the following observation :—“ We should like 
to urge upon our traders the value of such correspondence, giving their 
practical experience. It is essential, in discussing this serious grievance, 
that the condition of the carcase, as well as the hide, should be promi¬ 
nently brought forward. Details as to the loss caused by paring the 
carcase, &c., are wanted, as also a veterinary report dealing fully with 
the post mortem appearance of the flesh.”—(Editor of ‘ Meat Trades’ 
Journal,’ Liverpool). 
In answer to an enquiry of mine whether the alteration in the 
carcase, called “licked beef,” takes place only where the beast can lick 
the place, Mr. Pearson replied :—“ It will take place whether the beast 
can lick it or not, as there is the irritation continually going on; 
of course licking aggravates the case, and makes the carcase worse.” 
Much communication on the subject passed through my hands 
during the investigation, but without entering on all these, the above 
notes, with the addition of the two following short notes with which I 
was favoured, are quite enough to show the nature of this diseased 
condition consequent on Warble-attack. 
The first is from Mr. Joseph Wing, Hide Broker, of Pen Street, 
Boston, who noted from his own observations as to condition of warbled 
beasts :—“ The effects are something as you state. There is a jelly or 
watery substance on the back of the carcase when dressed, on and 
between the rind or thick skin and the bone of the beast.” 
The following note was given me at the beginning of April by Mr. 
John Bisdon, of Golsoncott Farm, Washford, Taunton (Auctioneer to 
