In a message dated 10/8/03 9:01:05 PM !!!First Boot!!!, frye@gnat.net writes: I havent read the article but I have to say that your mention of hookworm here is the first I have heard in the years It is possible that either they knew nothing of hookworm [my medical history is not good *G*] or it was just so common. It lasts decades in the soil until someone comes by, I would be surprised if no one died of them. In dogs they certainly cause loose stool as did so much else <sigh> my gggf died of "dysentery" in Richmond 1862 "grave unknown" Eliz