Page:The Hog.djvu/118

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
116
THE HOG.

But the opposite party bring forward as many authenticated facts in support of the contrary opinion, and the one with which we now chiefly have to do is narrated by Schenkius: "A tavern-keeper in the duchy of Wurtemberg, served up the flesh of a pig that had died rabid to some customers who were dining at his inn. All those who partook of it were shortly afterwards attacked with rabies." Pierre Borel records a very similar case.

We, should most strongly urge the prudence of abstaining from the flesh of all rabid animals, and not only of abstaining from it ourselves, but putting it out of the reach of other animals; and the best way to do this is to bury the carcass six or eight feet under ground, and cover it carefully and closely up.

NASAL CATARRH.

We have already spoken of the formation of the nose or snout of the pig, and will now proceed to describe a disease vulgarly called the snuffles, or sniffles. It is characterized by defluxion from the nose in the first place, and its advance is so gradual as to be almost imperceptible. But it gains ground daily—attacks the respiratory passages—cough and sneezing come on—there is evident difficulty of swallowing, and the respiration is impeded by the mucus formed. After some time the membrane of the nose becomes thickened, the nostril swelled and deformed, and the snout drawn on one side. Blood is often discharged from the nostril, and when this has been the case all the symptoms are abated and the animal seems relieved for awhile. But it too frequently happens that this discharge or hemorrhage returns again and again, each time in increasing quantities, until the strength of the animal becomes so undermined that notwithstanding the utmost care and the most nourishing diet, he dies of exhaustion, or perhaps, as it may be more properly termed, consumption.

This disease, which strongly resembles glanders and distemper, is like them hereditary, and may be communicated from either the male or female parent. It also results from exposure to damp or cold.

Emetics and tonics are the best means of combating it. A solution of sulphate of copper in doses of from three to five grains morning and night will sometimes eventually effect a cure, assisted by strict attention to diet and regimen. But in by far the majority of cases the disease runs its course and terminates fatally, for it has generally gained the upper hand before much notice is taken of it.

THE LARYNX.

This instrument of voice consists of five cartilages united to one another by a ligamentous substance, by distinct articulations, and by