Cultures obtained by this method were examined microscopically, and the growths on various culture media were studied. Gram stain, Löffler's methylene blue, and hanging-drop method were used. Polar-staining and chain formation in liquid media and the characteristic type of colony on the surface of agar were looked for. Animal inoculation was performed in every case, and the culture isolated from each case was identified by agglutination test, rabbit's immune serum being used. The results of the bacteriological examination of a series of 24 patients are tabulated in the two following tables. Table I includes the fatal cases and Table II those cases which recovered. The diagnosis of plague could be safely made from the microscopical examination of the liquid aspirated from the bubo in the majority of the cases. However, in certain instances the amount of the aspirated fluid being small and the bacilli very few, it was impossible to diagnose the case, especially when the cultures from the bubo were negative. Repeated examination of the patient was necessary under those conditions, but it happened in cases 22 and 23 that the patients died of plague before a second examination could be made. The smears and cultures from case 22 remained sterile, while the smears and cultures made from the swelling on the neck of patient 23 revealed the presence of pneumococci. Both patients died of plague, as was ascertained by examination of the organs after death. TABLE I.--EXAMINATION OF FATAL CASES OF PLAGUE