The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1897-12-18
The Corn stalk ,uala.,y.

been hunting Information aneLt the
death Of stock from running in the corn
stalks. The only thing we have found
out is that we knew as much about 1t in
the first place as we do now-and that is
mighty little. The fact is. no one has
found the cause Of the deaths or a pre-
ventive. It is very certain, however,
that 1t isn't smut, and congestion Of the
stomach from an impact mass OF dry
leaves or husks can be avoided by ordin-
airy care. The deaths are due nine
times in ten from some, so far, unknown
cause.
Among others, we wrote to the Breed
ers' Gazette, Chicago. giving brief
history OF the trouble In this and aijoin-
Ing c0untics. The Gazette sent our let
ter OF inquiry to Prof. G. F. Curtiss, Of
the Ames (lowa) Agricultural college,
whereupon Prof. Curtiss writes us as
per the letter herewith given, and fol-
lowing which is his opinion OF the corn
stalk malady.
Experimental Station. Iowa Agricultural
College. Ames, Iowa. December 3, 1887.
Mr.. C. Il. Tinan, Kimball, S. d.
Dear Sir:-Your valued favor OF the 23rd ult.,
in relation TO corn stalk disease and breeding
heifer has been forwarded to me by the Breed
era Gazette for reply, and enclose herewith a
copy of the communications have sent to the
Gazette. regret that am not able to give
you more satisfactory assistance in dealing
with the corn stalk disease, but this is set one
Of the unsolved problems. II there should be
any furthor outbreaks and you can seHure five
or ton pound sample of the stalks from an in
fected field as soon as the outbreak occurs, we
will be pleased to have you forward them here
for investigation. Very truly your,
c., F. Curtiss.
Ille corn stalk disease like hog cholera
is one OF the mysterious maladies that
neither the veterinarian nor the scientist
hays been ahle to fathom. Tie annual
occurrences of these disorders cause
heavy loss and all remedies 81 g Il power.
less. A few years since the Department
Of Agriculture sent DR.. Kilbourn and an
associate to Iowa during the prevalence
OF the corn stalk disease. These gem
tlemen established headquarters at Ames
aud spent several weeks investigating
the outbreak as they occurred in various
parts of tho state but at the conclusion
Of their work, they were not able to offer
any satisfactory ISOLATION or remedy.
The loss has been heavy In some sections
OF Iowa this season while in Other there
has been none at all. The chemist and
veterinarian of the Iowa station have
been endeavoring to investigate by
making careful examination Of samples
Of stalks from infected fields where uch
samples can be secured as soon as the
outbreak occurs. This line of investiga-
tion is still in progress, but thus far
there are no results of note. II is be-
licved 10 be advisable to feed literally Of
good hay or other feeds and provide a
constant supply of salt and water when
cattle are being turned into the stalk
fields, though in some cases they have
died iii spite Of these precautions.
good many theories and methods have
been advanced for preventing the occur
renee of this trouble, nearly all Of which
have at times been displaced BY actual
experience. 1t is not improbable that o
good many deaths result from impaction
and where such is tho case the use OF
other feeds and ample provision of salt
and water before turning in would
doubtless result beneficially.
G.. F. Curtiss.
T,,r, 1S..z........,4 c.A:.