Murrain, a contagious disease incident to cattle; it is known by the animals hanging down their beads, which are swollen; by short and hot breathing; palpitation of the heart; staggering; an abundant secretion of viscid matter in the eyes ; rattling in the throat ; and a shining tongue

The murrain is occasioned by various causes, but principally by a hot, dry season, or a general corruption of the air ; in consequence of which, the blood becomes inflamed ; the symptoms above stated speedily appear; and, if no precautions be taken, the disease suddenly proves fatal. It raged about the middle of the last century in various parts of the Continent, and carried off great numbers of cattle. The remedy then employed, both for its prevention and cure, consisted in a mixture of equal parts of gunpowder, salt, soot, and brimstone : one spoonful of this composition was given for a dose, and washed down with warm water.

In the 36th vol. of Annals of Agriculture, the following recipe is inserted for the murrain in hogs : A handful of nettles is to be previously boiled in a gallon of small-beer, when half a pound of flour of sulphur, a quarter of a pound of elecampane, three ounces cf liquorice, and a quarter of a pound of aniseeds, are to be added in a pulverized state. This preparation should be administered in milk, and the quantity here stated, is said to be sufficient for six doses.

But the most effectual preventive of this destructive contagion is, to keep the cattle cool during the summer, and to allow them a sufficiency of water : all carrion should be speedily buried ; and as the feeding of those useful animals in wet places, or on rotten grass or hay, frequently causes this malady, their food ought to consist of dry and sweet fodder.-See also Distemper.