tle, all run under extensive conditions and situated some 200- 600 miles from his headquarters at Mt Isa. He was also respon- sible for routine herd health and management programs on these properties. Mr McNicholl’s first task was to gain the con- fidence of the property managers, and he had to convince the Company that considerable capital expenditure was required for fencing and yards.

A total disease eradication program was initiated, based on an adaptation of the two-herd system. The system involves segregation of weaners in isolated fenced areas, concurrent tuberculosis and brucellosis eradication procedures, and ac- celerated phasing out of untreated infected breeding herds. The program has led to remarkable progress in the eradication of both diseases, due largely to Mr McNicholl’s enthusiasm, perseverance and competence. The program was fully main- tained throughout the 1974-78 recession in the cattle industry. He has exhibited an analytical and practical approach to the technical problems encountered and has actively cooperated with colleagues in the Northern Territory, Queensland Depart- ment of Primary Industries, and at James Cook Vniversity in investigating several aspects of the eradication of brucellosis and tuberculosis.

M r McNicholl has lived and worked in a difficult environ- ment. He has established and carried through a complex disease eradication program which has achieved outstanding results. He is a worthy recipient of the College Prize for 1979.

BOOK REVIEW COMPARATIVE PLACENTATION

This book* contains contributions on the structure and functions of the placenta of animals by a number of authors and is intended as a reference book for students about to embark on placental research. Its ten chapters include historical illustrations, anatomy of the placental barrier, developmental anatomy of the foetal membranes, placental evolution and embryonic nutrition, placental circulation, placental exchange of blood gases, the role of the central nervous system in pregnancy, the endocrine functions of the placenta, the immunological relationships between the foetal membranes and the mother and tumours of the placenta.

The essays are presented from a comparative viewpoint and

‘Compararire Plarenrarion. Essays in Srrucrure and Funcrion (1975). Editor D. H. Steven. Academic Press, L o n d o n , N e w York. San Francisco.

include data on all domestic species of animals, laboratory animals and primates. It is inevitable in covering such a broad subject in 315 pages that reference sources must be selective. However, the references are drawn from the classic contributions published between 1543 and 1973 and are more than adequate to illustrate the points made.

Students of placentation will find the essays to make almost compulsive reading, while the general student of biology will appreciate the diverse views and the lucid and entertaining styles of presentation. It is gratifying to note the excellent contribution made by Sydney graduates (Drs. W. R. Allen and R. Borland and Professor J . Priedkalns).

The book is presented as a soft cover volume and includes a detailed index.

M. J. Edwards

598 Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol. 5 5 , December, 1979