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1,171 and 787, respectively, in 1901-1902 (Appendix A). Though there is a
decrease in the total number of in-patients, the horse and cattle patients were
practically double the number of the previous year (1,014 against 526 , which
was due to increased popularity of the infirmary with the poorer people owing
to the reduction of fees. In previous years, when there were no fees charged
for the treatment of dogs, sheep and goats, the in-and-out-patients were regis-
tered together and shown under the heading of free in-patients, but since it
has been ruled that they should be charged for, they have been shown as
either in- or out-patients according to the department in which they were
treated to facilitate accounts. Hence the apparent decrease of in-patients.
Had all the dogs, sheep, and goats been shown under in-patients as in
previous years, the total number of in-patients would have been 1,582 in-
stead of 1,052. The percentage of deaths was 5.53 against 3.21 last year.
The higher mortality was chiefly owing to a larger number of rinder-
pest cases having been admitted this year (viz., 90 admissions and 54 deaths
against 1 admission and 1 death). Six hundred and twenty-three operations
were performed against 473 last year. The number of horses shod at the
forge was 336 in 1902-1903 against 433 of the previous year. No animals
were received from the Dum-Dum Cantonment since the reduction of the
garrison. This explains the decrease under this head.
9. The accommodation in the hospital having been found insufficient
for the number of patients, Sir John Woodburn, a few days before his death,
sanctioned, on the recommendation of the Hon'ble Mr. W. C. Macpherson,
a special grant of Rs. 29,765 for sheds, hospital necessaries, food and servants.
The additional accommodation will be for 150 head of cattle. A special
operating theatre will be constructed, and a suitable water-supply will be laid
on. The new buildings are under construction in the Annexe. This Annexe
has hitherto been held on a 15-year lease, but steps are being taken to
acquire it.
FINANCIAL.
10. The fees for the treatment, shoeing, &c., amount to Rs. 8,890-12-4
against Rs. 11,621-12-9 in 1901-1902. They would have amounted to Rs. 8,957-2-4,
had the fees for Government animals been charged. The cost of feeding the
patients was Rs. 15,636-15-2, against Rs. 7,889-8-8 in 1901-1902. The decrease
in fees and the increase in cost of feeding was owing to a larger number of
animals (chiefly horses and cattle) being admitted at lower rates.
11. The statement showing the Provincial cost of the department is
appended (Table XVIII).
OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS.
12. Of the sum of Rs. 54-14 shown in the reports of the two preceding
years as due from two old defaulters, Rs. 15 were realised during the year,
and. the balance, Rs. 39-14, being irrecoverable, has been written off with the
sanction of Government. The fees due for the year under report amount to
Rs. 150-2-0. But, as more than half this amount is due from the Calcutta and
Cossipore-Chitpur Municipalities, the outstanding amount is expected to be
shortly recovered.
THE HOSTEL.
13. All the students lived in the hostel and their general health was
good.
INSTRUCTION TO OTHERS THAN VETERINARY STUDENTS.
14. The usual course of lectures on Veterinary hygiene and Cattle
Breeding and Rearing was delivered to six students of the Agricultural class of
the Civil Engineering College.
15. Twenty-nine petty officers and drivers of the Supply and Transport
Corps were instructed in nursing sick animals. These men did well,
TEACHING STAFF.
16. I have recommended, and Government has sanctioned, a well-deserved
increment of pay to Mr. E. Burke, Assistant Principal, which will take effect
from 1st April 1903. One of the lecturers, Mr. Charles Engel, resigned his
appointment in September, and was replaced by the promotion of Mr. D. K. Dey,
who was 3rd Lecturer. Mr. S. K. Mitter, who was 1st Veterinary Inspector,
was promoted to 3rd Lectureship, on probation. The results of the examina-
tions indicate that these changes have been beneficial to the College.