TUBERCULOUS DISEASE OF CATTLE.

Tuberculous disease of cattle is another malady that is to be regarded with the gravest suspicion. Its history, symptoms and pathology simulate so closely the kindred disease in man as to leave their identity hardly problematic. The feeding of milk from tuberculous cows to small animals has in a number of instances developed in the latter well marked tubercles, with the accompanying symptoms of the disease. There is no good physiological reason why a similar experiment performed on a human subject would not be followed by similar results. A large number of cases have come under my observation, and the fact is evident that high-bred cattle are especially subject to the disease. The flesh and dairy products of tuberculous cows are to be strictly avoided as articles of food, as being liable to induce one of the most hopeless forms of disease, human consumption.

DIPHTHERIA AND TYPHOID FEVER.

The possible connection of garget with diphtheria is well deserving the attention of scientists. Typhoid fever is another disease that finds its victims among the lower orders of animals, as well as among men. The peculiarity of typhoid development renders the disease especially liable to be conveyed from the horse to man.

INFECTED MEAT.

Had I not already extended this paper beyond the limits I had intended, I would take pleasure in bringing to your attention some of the diseases that result from entozoa derived from the flesh of animals that furnish our great meat supply. The flesh of the swine, the ox and the sheep all contain the larva of parasites that in the mature form becomes the much dreaded tapeworm.

The Trichina spiralis is a frequent occupant of the flesh of the swine. I have had occasion to make examinations of some of the trichinous subjects. The life history of these entozoa is full of interest, and it is of vital importance that the masses of the people be "better informed as to the sources of danger from them, and the precautionary measures to be pursued. M. STALKER.

Iowa Agricultural College, Ames, September 27, 1881.

CIVIL ENGINEER IOWA STATE BOARD OF HEALTH AND CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON SEWERAGE AND DRINAGE.

SEWERAGE, DRAINAGE AND DISPOSAL OF EXCRETA.

66

To the President and members of the Iowa State Board of Health: GENTLEMEN-Immediately after the designation, at the May meeting of your Board, of a committee on the preparation of a paper on Sewerage, Drainage and the Disposition of Excreta," a large number of circulars containing questions which might have a bearing on these subjects were sent to the principal points of the State directed to physicians and other parties who were deemed to be interested in the general improvement of the health of the citizens of Iowa. A copy of such circular is hereto appended :

DEAR SIR-In the preparation of a paper upon Healthful Homes, for the State Board of Health, the Committee on Sewerage, Drainage and Disposition of Excreta is desirous of obtaining information upon the following points, and will feel under obligations to those correspondents of the Board who will consider them and communicate with the committee:

1. What is the nature of the soil and the geological formation in your location? 2. What is the practice in your neighborhood in regard to the use of tile-draining the ground upon which the dwelling is erected?

3. What, in your opinion, is required to render a house and its surroundings healthful in your locality?

4. What has been your experience in regard to the location of dwellings in your vicinity as regards immunity of families from different forms of disease?

5. From what source do the inhabitants obtain their drinking water, and that used in cooking? If from wells, what is their average depth? In what manner are they constructed? Are they liable to receive surface-water?

6. Do the houses usually have cellars, and if so, are they walled with stone, ventilated, clean, and free from water?

7. What is the usual mode of disposing of the animal excrement, or fæcal and urinary matter?

8. What is the usual mode of disposing of the waste water and kitchen wash? 9. Please give your views upon any matters pertaining to the construction and maintenance of sewers and drains.

N. B. Please forward your reply within two weeks, if convenient, to

JAMES L. LORING,

Civil Engineer Iowa State Board of Health.

DALLAS CENTER, IOWA, May 20th, 1880.