l not go into any notice of the general subject of abortion, but
rather restrict my remarks to a cause which is very much overlooked, and
yet which is probably more influential than all other causes combined. I
refer to the growth of ergotized grass-seeds in our pastures.

"The action of ergot of rye (_secale cornutum_) upon the womb is well
known as an excitant to powerful action, which usually terminates in the
expulsion of the foetus. We have a similar disease appearing on the
seeds of our grasses, but especially on the rye grass, and thus we have
an ergot of the seeds of rye grass produced, possessing similar exciting
powers upon the womb to those produced by the ergot of rye.

"Two conditions are necessary for the production of this ergot upon the
seed of rye grass. The first is, the grass must be allowed to run to
seed; and the second is, that the climate must be favorable for
encouraging the development of the ergot.

"In practice, we find that on land which has been fed on during the
summer, unless it has been grazed with unusual care, much of the grass
throws up seed-stalks and produces seed. In districts where the climate
is humid and rain abundant, as well as in very wet seasons, these seeds
become liable to the growth of this ergot. Cattle appear to eat it with
a relish, and the result is that abortion spreads rapidly through the
herd. Heifers and cows, which, up to the appearance of the ergot, have
held in calf, are excited to cast their calves by consuming it in their
food. The abortion having once commenced, we know that the peculiarly
sensitive condition of the breeding animal will cause its extension,
even where the original cause may not be in operation; but their
combined action renders the loss far more serious. If we add to this the
tendency which an animal receives from her first abortion, to repeat it
when next in calf, we see how seriously the mischief becomes multiplied.

"A somewhat extended observation, added to my own experience, has led me
to the conviction that very much of the loss arising from abortion in
our cows may be traced to the cause I have named. I feel assured the
influence is even more extended than I have stated; for not only would
the foetus be thrown off in its advanced stage, but also in its
earlier growth, thus causing great trouble to breeders of high-bred
stock, the repeated turning of cows to the bull, and at most irregular
intervals.

"The remedy differs in no respe