It was a few days after this, when staying at Goulburn Plains, that a gentleman arrived, who mentioned his having seen a case of the disease denominated the “black leg,” in the stock-yard of the farm at Mut, mut, billy, that morning, so from this circumstance the fears of the overseer, respecting the extension of the disease, were unfortunately realized. The Irish assigned servants upon the estates where the disease has occurred, mention that it is not uncommon in Ireland, and is there considered contagious.[122] The mode of treatment adopted for its cure in that country is to bleed and rowel the cattle, and change the pasturage: it has been asserted that it was unknown in the colony until within the last twelvemonth; but some declare that it has existed, although not extensively, for a much longer period. Dr. Gibson informed me that the disease prevails principally among calves and yearlings, the first marked symptoms being a paralytic affection, the animal drawing the leg after it; a swelling and tenderness are then experienced about the affected parts, and usually a fatal termination ensues in twelve hours; bleeding relieves, and even has been known to cure cattle thus affected, if resorted to in time; but from the rapid progress of the disease, and among a large number of cattle, it is seldom observed until too late. On the 24th of December I arrived at Lansdowne Park, (or, in the language of the country, “Bungee.”) Goulburn Plains, the residence of Mr. Bradley; and although the days previous had been sultry and oppressive, this was so cold as to make it agreeable to see a large wood-fire blazing on the parlour hearth, giving the close of day the appearance of a Christmas-eve at home, although in this country it was the height of the summer season; but such atmospherical changes occasionally take place in the colony.