1953 Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, Volume 26, Number 1 & 2, 1953
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/58038
Contentes Pages: Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, Vol ??, 19??
Browse
Recent Submissions
Now showing 1 - 20 of 21
Item Calf paratyphoid III. The transmission of anti-bodies to newly-born calves(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Henning, M.W.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.1. In a study of the transmission of anti-bodies from immunized pregnant cows to the colostrum and to their progeny it was noticed that the agglutinin titre of the colostral whey and of the calf's serum might be several times that of the dam. At the time of birth hardly any agglutinins, or no agglutinins at all, could be detected in the calf's serum, but the titre suddenly rose to this high level within 24 hours after the first suckle. The calf's titre remained high for two weeks or more, and then gradually declined; but it remained at a significant level for about three months. 2. When newly-born calves from immunized or unimmunized mothers were fed on hyperimmune serum before the first suckle large amounts of agglutinins could be detected in their sera twelve hours later. These agglutinins persisted, though in progressively decreasing titre, for at least three months. 3. When the calves from immunized cows were inoculated with S. dublin vaccine one, two or three weeks after a colostral feed, no rise could be effected in the agglutinin titre and no difference could be detected in the titre whether the calves had been inoculated or not. The immunity was apparently completely blocked by the anti-bodies absorbed from the colostrum. 4. When the colostral immunity was challenged with virulent milk cultures given by the mouth the calves exhibited a fair degree of resistance, and it was extremely difficult to produce typical symptoms of paratyphoid in them. It is believed that this immunity is sufficient to protect young calves against natural exposure to paratyphoid. The immunization of pregnant cows as a means of protecting new-born calves against paratyphoid is, therefore, recommended as an additional method of combating the disease. But as hyperimmune sera, when given before the first suckle, can also transmit anti-bodies to new-born calves the use of immune sera is advised in cases where immune colostrum is not available.Item Calf paratyphoid II. Artificial immunization(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Henning, M.W.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.1. Immunization experiments performed on mice with various vaccines prepared from S. dublin and other Salmonella species showed that a formalinized aluminium hydroxide precipitated vaccine gave the best protection against virulent cultures of S. dublin. The immunity produced gave only a partial or incomplete protection, yet when this vaccine was used for the routine immunization of calves on badly infected premises in different parts of the country a marked reduction in deaths from paratyphoid was effected. In a few outbreaks where the routine vaccine failed to prevent losses a vaccine made from a local strain of S. dublin invariably gave complete protection against natural exposure. But unless the vaccine was employed regularly and all the calves born on the farm were inoculated soon after birth, losses continued to occur. In a few cases where the use of the vaccine was discontinued fresh outbreaks of paratyphoid usually occurred. In spite of the excellent results obtained with vaccine in the field, it is admitted that the immunity produced is of a low grade and that it cannot be relied upon entirely to prevent symptoms or even death from paratyphoid. When the immunity in calves was challenged with fresh milk-cultures given by the mouth the majority of them reacted and developed symptoms of paratyphoid, although much less severely than the control calves. 2. The immunization of calves with routine S. dublin vaccine resulted in the production of "H" agglutinins almost exclusively. Whereas the "H" agglutinin titre of the serum of the vaccinated animals rose from 1:25 or less to 1:3,200 or more after immunization, there was hardly any perceptible "0" agglutinogenic response in the majority of these animals, and the "0" titre remained extremely low in all of them. When the immunity was boosted by means of a third injection of vaccine 30 days after the second a very marked rise in the "H" agglutinin titre resulted, but there was only a slight "0" agglutinogenic response in some of the animals and hardly any "0" agglutinins could be detected in the others. 3. An easy method of artificially infecting calves with fresh milk cultures of S. dublin is described. By the utilization of this method the pathogenesis and the course of the disease could be observed and treatment instituted. It was found that when calves manifesting typical symptoms of paratyphoid were treated with large doses of phthalylsulphathiazole by the mouth recovery supervened, whereas untreated calves, infected in the same way and left as controls, died. Phthalylsulphathiazole can, therefore, be regarded as an effective therapeutic agent for calf paratyphoid, and its employment can be recommended for the treatment of this disease. It was observed subsequently, however, that fresh milk-cultures of the same strain of S. dublin, grown under apparently identical conditions, might not always be equally pathogenic for calves. Sometimes an acute and fatal disease was set up, whereas, at other times, very much milder symptoms were produced. Although the cause of this variation is not known it is believed that some factor in the media is responsible.Item Calf paratyphoid I. A general discussion of the disease in relation to animals and man(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Henning, M.W.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.1. The incidence of calf paratyphoid in various countries and its relationship to disease in adult cattle, in other species of animals, and in human beings are reviewed. 2. The isolation of 507 strains of Salmonella from outbreaks of paratyphoid in calves is reported. Of these 491 were identified as S. dublin, eleven as S. typhi-murium, four as S. enteritidis, and one as S. bovis-morbificans. In addition the isolation of twelve further strains of S. dublin from adult cattle is recorded. 3. The significance of Salmonella dublin as an etiological agent in paratyphoid of cattle, particularly calves, is discussed. 4. For the detection of S. dublin or other forms of Salmonella infection either faeces, bile, blood or liver, and spleen cultures were made, and the suspected sera tested for "0 " and "H" agglutinins. In some cases only one of these tests was possible, but at other times two or more were performed. In. addition a pathological study of the liver and spleen was made whenever possible. With very few exceptions the results obtained from a pathological examination of suspected organs corresponded to the results of the bacteriological study. But in many positive cases of calf paratyphoid faeces and blood cultures were negative and a negative agglutination test was obtained. Sometimes faeces cultures were positive when the serological test was negative or vice versa. In other cases the presence of a carrier was spotted first by a positive agglutination test. For the detection of carriers, therefore, both faeces cultures and serological tests should be performed. 5. The agglutinogenic response of infected, carrier, or immunized animals generally resulted in the production of practically only "H" agglutinins. "0" agglutinins were seldom present in significant amounts, and when they were present the titre was generally extremely low in comparison with that of the "H" . These results do not agree with the previous observations of Henning and his co-workers (1939, 1946, 1942). These workers found that the sera of birds acting as carriers of S. typhi-murium or of horses affected with a latent or chronic S. abortus-equi infection responded chiefly to "0" agglutination, and that the "H" agglutination was either poor or entirely absent. 6. The role played by rodents and the so-called Rat "Viruses" in the dissemination of Salmonella infection is discussed. 7. The significance of S. dublin as an etiological agent of food infection in human beings is discussed.Item Infertility in mares caused by ovarian dysfunction(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Van Rensburg, S.W.J.; Van Heerden, J.S.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.(1) The ovaries of 24 mares were examined rectally during a total of 52 oestrous periods in the 1949-51 breeding seasons. Only 27 of the 52 periods ended in ovulation. In 24 of the 27 normal periods the mares were mated and conception resulted in 20 (83•3 per cent). (2) Follicles developed but then regressed without ovulating in 23 (44•2 per cent). Ten mares mated during anovulatory periods all failed to conceive. (3) It is suggested that many cases of pseudo-ovarian cysts in the mare are not real cysts but follicles which persist for a time and then regress, or ovulate when conditions become favourable. (4) Two cases in which oestrus was shown continuously for 119 and 171 days respectively are recorded. In the latter the prolonged period of heat terminated in ovulation and conception. (5) Another two cases were noted in which oestrus occurred without follicle development. Attention is drawn to the possibility of extra ovarian sources of oestrogen, and of neural control over the sexual cycle. (6) Marked fo1licular development without symptoms of oestrus was observed in three cases. (7) No significant difference in the relative activity of the right and left ovaries was shown. (8) In the great majority of cases ovulation, when present, occurred within the last 24-48 hours of oestrus, but in two mares heat persisted for four and five days respectively after ovulation. This is attributed to the presence of other follicles. (9) Pregnancy resulted when mares were served up to 72 hours before ovulation. One mare which was mated only once, at 8-12 hours after ovulation, did not conceive. Palpation of the ovaries per rectum is considered the only satisfactory method of determining the most suitable time for service. (10) Two cases of oestrus with ovulation during pregnancy were noted. At post mortem one mare with a ten week old foetus had two corpora lutea, the one regressing and the other coming up to take over its function. Two other mares, that had aborted during the second month of pregnancy, each only had the primary corpus luteum of pregnancy. Failure of the ovaries in these two cases to form fresh corpora lutea in order to maintain the necessary level of progesterone is suspected to be the cause of the abortions. (11) Treatment with stilboestrol dipropionate and chorionic gonadotrophin was applied to 17 mares which showed irregularities in the sexual cycle. This was followed by ovulation in ten, and nine of these conceived. Hormone treatment should only be applied after proper rectal examination of the ovaries, in certain selected cases, and dosage and time of administration should be carefully calculated. (12) Late in the second half of the 1950-51 season 24 mares, all of which but three were shy breeders or barren, were turned out to run free with two stallions in two camps. Within two months 21 (87•5 per cent) had conceived. This high conception rate is attributed to psychological factors.Item Physiological studies on eructation in ruminants(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Weiss, K.E.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.(1) The eructation reflex in sheep and cattle, and factors affecting it, have been studied mainly by the method of forced air insufflation and direct recording of intraruminal pressure. (2) Eructation is a complex, co-ordinated reflex involving the rumen, reticulum, cardiac orifice and the oesophagus. It consists essentially in the movement of free gas from the dorsal rumen, forwards and downwards to the cardia. This is accomplished by- (a) A forward wave of contraction of the ruminal musculature (as distinct from the usual backward cycle of contractions). (b) Opening of the cardiac orifice which is brought about by contraction of the lateral and medial pillars of the rumino-reticular fold . (c) The clearing of the cardia of fluid ingesta is affected by relaxation of the reticulum. The relative importance of this phase depends on the degree of filling of the rumen. (3) The main stimulus for eructation is gas pressure in the posterior dorsal sac of the rumen. (4) From variations amongst the individual experimental animals it is believed that the efficiency of the reflex may depend on hereditary factors. (5) The factors affecting the reflex are: - A. Mechanical. (i) Obstruction of the oesophagus. (ii) Frothing of the ingesta. (iii) The degree of filling of the rumen and posture. Overfilling of the rumen was found to hinder eructation by increasing the distance between the free gas and cardiac orifice. Elevation of the hindquarters had a similar effect, while elevation of the forequarters mitigated the effects of overfilling. Animals with a non-functioning reticulum were found to be particularly susceptible to overfilling. B. Alkalosis. In the absence of other factors, the efficiency of eructation was found to vary inversely with the degree of alkalosis as determined by the CO₂-combining power of the blood. This was due mainly to reticular paralysis. C. Abdominal Vagotomy. Section of the right ventral branch of the vagus caused abomasal distension and chronic tympany, again due mainly to inhibition of reticular activity. Section of the left dorsal branch diminished the strength of ruminal contractions and eructation efficiency for the first three weeks with subsequent partial recovery. D. Reflex inhibition from the Posterior Digestive Tract. Distension of both the abomasum and caecum reduced the eructation efficiency again by inhibition of the reticulum. E. The effect of Drugs influencing Ruminal Motility. (i) Hypomotility. (a) Small doses of prussic acid inhibited the reticulum and backward movement of the rumen with consequent inefficiency of eructation and abolition of the reflex. (b) Atropine, histamine and adrenaline were found to inhibit the reflex completely even before a total paralysis of the rumen was induced. (ii) Hypermotility. Carbamylcholine and veratrine both cause spasm of the rumen and reticulum with consequent interference with eructation. Their therapeutic use is contraindicated.Item The significance of reflex salivation in relation to froth formation and acute bloat in ruminants(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Weiss, K.E.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.(1) Frothing of ruminal ingesta is the main cause of bloat in sheep on green lucerne (2) It was found that the formation of froth is dependent on the consistency of the ruminal ingesta which in turn is influenced by reflex salivary secretion. (3) Reflex salivary secretion is largely stimulated by the presence of coarse material in the forestomachs and the amount of saliva secreted, therefore, depends on the physical condition of the feed. The explanation for the protective action of hay is based on this finding. (4) The condition and type of lucerne fed has a direct bearing on the occurrence of bloat.Item The influence of enrichment of maize meal on the growth of rats(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Myburgh, S.J.; Groenewald, J.W.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.Maize products are notoriously deficient in certain essential nutrients, amongst others, some members of the B-complex vitamins. Such deficiencies are furthermore aggravated in processing maize. Two maize products, one a whole white maize meal and the other a white maize flour (processed) were studied. These maize products were incorporated in balanced rations enriched with a vitamin product known to contain some of the essential members of the B-complex vitamins. Growth tests using adolescent albino rats were carried out. The results clearly indicated the beneficial effect of the supplementation.Item Does bovine congenital porphyrinuria (pink tooth) produce clinical disturbances in an animal which is protected against the sun?(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Fourie, P.J.J.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.An ox, No. 7017, suffering from bovine congenital porphyrinuria (pink tooth) and excreting as much as 1•6 gm. of total pophyrins in faeces and urine per day, was still in reasonably good health at the age of 18 years. There was a slight anaemia, marked macroscopic pigmentation of the teeth and the bones, marked microscopic pigmentation of the organs, but no ill effects as a result of the porphyrinuria were shown whilst the animal was stabled during the day.Item An evaluation of the acaricidal properties of aldrin and dieldrin for the control of sheep scab(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Fiedler, O.G.H.; Du Toit, R.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.It may be concluded from the experiments conducted which, though on a small scale, nevertheless represent a severe test of the insecticides used, that Dieldrin is an extremely potent and quick-acting acaricide. Against Psoroptes communis avis it is able to control sheep scab with a single dipping at a concentration of 0•03 per cent of the active ingredient. Its acaricidal action at this strength is comparable to that of gamma B.H.C. at 0•02 per cent. Aldrin in wettable powder or emulsion form, at a concentration of 0•05 per cent of the active ingredient must be regarded as not being sufficiently effective to eradicate scab with a single treatment.Item Report on the value of Isodrin and Endrin as potential protecting agents against blowfly strike in sheep(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Du Toit, R.; Fiedler, O.G.H.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.Two new synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides Isodrin and Endrin have been tested for their larvicidal effect against L. cuprina and for the duration of the period they afford protection against artificial strike. These properties compare favourably with those of similar products tested previously. However, a deleterious bleaching effect upon the wool, probably due to saponification of the wool grease accompanied by structural changes in the staple precludes their use for obvious economic reasons.Item Comparative intradermal tests between concentrated P.P.D. and diluted P.P.D. tuberculins in relation to non-specific tuberculin reactors(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Fourie, P.J.J.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.1. In a herd of 760 animals which has for years been more or less regularly tuberculin-tested and in which for years no case of tuberculosis was found quite a large number of animals showed sensitization at an annual test, when using 3 mgm. per c.c. P.P.D. Onderstepoort tuberculin. When testing half strength against full strength tuberculin in this herd, the number of reactors with the half strength were statistically significantly smaller than those with the full strength tuberculin. 2. In testing full strength against half strength tuberculin on a positive herd of 62 animals, the results were: - 39 positives were found with 3 mgm. and 31 with 1•5 mgm. 10 retests were found with 3 mgm. and 16 with 1•5 mgm. 13 negatives were found with 3 mgm. and 15 with 1•5 mgm. If one can make a statistical analysis of only 62 animals, then the difference in the number of positives (39 and 31) even though some of these are false positives, is not highly significant but nevertheless significant. However, when one considers the total number of reactors (positives and retests) to full strength and half strength which are 49 and 47 respectively, the difference is statistically insignificant. Since some of these so-called positives were believed to be actually free from the disease and others in a state of generalization, this herd was not considered to be very suitable for testing out the half strength against the full strength tuberculin. 3. In the case of 18 animals showing what is regarded as normal sensitization to tuberculin, full strength, half strength and 20 per cent full strength tuberculin gave for all practical purposes comparable end results. The size of the reacting swelling seems to be closely related to the potency of the tuberculin used. 4. Taking the above results into consideration, it would seem that a very much less potent tuberculin than is ordinarily being used, would be suitable for the single intradermal test, with the advantage that a smaller number of animals having a tuberculin sensitization to non-specific factors, will be condemned for tuberculosis, when they are in fact false positives. 5. Owing to the small numbers of animals dealt with, one is not justified in laying down what the optimum concentration of tuberculin, for the single intradermal test should be, but a case seems nevertheless to have been made out for a critical examination of the whole question, on a sufficiently large number of animals, using at the same time also sufficient animals, infected with conditions such as skin lesions, Johne's Disease, Actinomycosis etc., showing tuberculin non-specific sensitization.Item The stability of neurotropic African horsesickness virus in solutions of different chemical composition(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Polson, A.; Van Rooy, P.J.; Lawrence, S.M.; Dent, J.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.(1) The viability of neurotropic African horsesickness virus was tested in media containing various salts, different amino acids, gelatine, "Dextran", chick embryo extract, serum saline and egg white. Of these, egg white was the medium of choice for retention of virus in a viable state. (2) The virus of horsesickness showed distinct levels of stability in the various media. The highest level of stability was found in suspensions containing 10 per cent egg white, followed by 10 per cent serum saline and 5 per cent egg white solutions. At a lower level of stability were suspensions made up in animo acids, gelatine and embryo extract. A very low level of stability was shown by suspensions of the virus in salt solutions and in solutions of "Dextran".Item The isolation of virus in mice from cases of horsesickness in immunized horses(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Mclntosh, B.M.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.It has been shown that whereas blood obtained during the breakdown reaction in immunized horses may be non-pathogenic for mice it is still capable of infecting horses, dogs and ferrets. Due to this fact it is often. impossible to isolate virus directly in mice from cases of horsesickness in immunized horses. This difficulty may be overcome by first isolating the virus in the horse or ferret from which animal mice may readily be infected. It is probable that the dog may be used in a similar manner. Attempts to reactivate for the mouse virus present in the blood from immunized horses by various methods were unsuccessful. Just how this virus is inactive for the mouse while active for the horse, dog and ferret is not understood, although the serum antibody produced as a result of immunization is believed to be involved. By means of neutralization tests in mice with the neurotropic form of a virus which produced a fatal breakdown in an immunized horse it was shown that such immune horses may react severely to infection with virus which is related antigenically to strains of virus incorporated in the vaccine. Ferrets have been shown to be susceptible to viscerotropic horsesickness virus. The disease in ferrets is mild and results in a febrile reaction with viraemia. I should like to thank Dr. D. A. Haig for his helpful advice and criticism and Mr. P. J. van Rooy for carrying out the high speed centrifugationItem The parasiticidal effect of aureomycin (Lederle) on Babesia equi (Laveran 1899) in splenectomised donkeys(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Jansen, B.C.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.Veterinarians in countries where tick-borne diseases are prevalent are well acquainted with the difficulties encountered in the treatment of equine Babesiosis ( = Nuttaliosis). Affected animals do not respond satisfactorily to the present methods of treatment in all cases. In the systematic search for more effective drugs with a specific action against B. equi, Aureomycin, with its wide therapeutic spectrum, was tested for its babecidal action. The drug was kindly supplied by Lederle Laboratories Division, American Cyanamid Company, to whom it is desired to express our appreciation of their cooperation.Item The protection of sheep against blowfly strike. I. An evaluation of certain organic insecticides(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Du Toit, R.; Fiedler, O.G.H.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.1. Higher concentrations of the new organic insecticides are necessary to achieve a complete kill of first instar larvae of Lucilia cuprina Wied., when contact with the insecticides is short than is necessary for mature larvae. The former are able to free themselves rapidly from the toxicant in the nutritional medium owing to their feeding habits. 2. The larvicidal action of eleven synthetic insecticides has been studied and the minimum lethal dose determined on young maggots within a nutritional medium. 3. A new biological assay method for determining the larvicidal value of wool treated with various insecticides has been developed. 4. Insecticides of equal toxicity to first stage blowfly larvae afford different lengths of protection against strike even when their active ingredients are of the same concentration. 5. The importance of the larvicidal properties of insecticides in protecting sheep over long periods is stressed as of very much greater importance than the more transitory repellent properties to adult blowflies possessed by such insecticides. 6. The biological assay method has revealed that a number of insecticides such as gamma BH.C., Dieldrin, Aldrin and to a lesser extent Chlordane and Toxaphene possess properties of diffusion which permit of their penetration from previously treated wool on sheep into the constantly expanding zone of growing wool. Compounds of the D.D.T. group do not diffuse along the wool fibres. 7. The duration of protection of sheep afforded by any insecticide is dependent upon the larvicidal value and diffusion power of the particular insecticide. For this reason gamma B.H.C., Dieldrin and Aldrin have been found to be the compounds most suitable for this particular purpose.Item A new African tick parasite, Hunterellus theilerae sp. n.(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Fiedler, O.G.H.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.Item Ticks in the South African Zoological Survey collection. Part VII. Six lesser known African Rhipicephalids(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Theiler, Gertrud; Robinson, Britha N.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.Item Zoological Survey of the Union of South Africa. Tick survey. Part VII. Distribution of Haemaphysalis leachi, the yellow dog tick(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Theiler, Gertrud; Robinson, Britha N.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.1. The distribution of Haemaphysalis leachi is given in terms of political divisions as well as in terms of vegetational coverage. 2. The factor playing the most important role in limiting the spread of H. leachi appears to be increasing aridity; the critical level appears to be at 20 inches rainfall, irrespective of the type of vegetation. 3. The annual duration of frost apparently also plays a role, it does not occur in areas with over 60 days of heavy frost per annum. 4. It is generally absent from Karroo veld but appears to be able to maintain itself precariously where the Karroo veld also contains grasses. 5. Careful hand dressing of dogs appears to control the tick. 6. Small carnivores appear to play no role in the distribution of H. leachi sensu strictu, in that they are parasitized by a variety of H. leachi and not by H. leachi sensu strictu.Item The Onderstepoort small animal colony(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Wilson-Jones, G.; Groenewald, J.W.; Quinlan, J.B.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.Item The cardiac glycoside from Urginea rubella Baker. Part II. Hydrolysis of rubellin and pro-rubellidin(Published by The Government Printer, Pretoria, 1953) Louw, P.G.J.; Alexander, R.A.; Clark, R.; Louw, J.G.; De Kock, V.E.1. The isolation of an unusual sugar component, viz. a sugar acid derivative, obtained by the hydrolysis of rubellin, is reported. 2. Hydrolysis of pro-rubellidin under various conditions gave products which pointed to the decomposition of pro-rubellidin. 3. Paper chromatography revealed two distinct sugar constituents with low Rf values, in the hydrolysate of rubellin. One constituent which had Rf value 0.14 - 0.16 was the barium salt of the sugar acid obtained by hydrolysis of rubellin, and the other with Rf value 0.28, was obtained on hydrolysis of prorubellidin. 4. The acetylation products of rubellin and pro-rubellidin are described.