2
that of non-contagious diseases fell by 8 per cent. The number of cases treated in
hospitals, both in and out patients, rose from 3,239 to 3,566 and the castrations per-
formed from 12 to 42.
8. The number of stud bulls under local bodies was 10 against 11 in the previous
year, of which 5 are in Goalpara, 2 in Nowgong and one each in Cacbar, Darrang and
Sibsagar. The mention of 3 stud bulls in the Khasi Hills is a mistake : these are
breeding bulls in the Shillong herd of Patna cattle and are not available for public
use. The castration of weedy bulls is an important factor in the general scheme for
cattle-breeding and I would draw the attention to Burdizzo's castrator mentioned in
paragraph 48 of the Superintendent's report in this connection: unfortunately, like
so many other desiderata it is a somewhat expensive instrument costing about Rs. 75
and consequently its use is not likely to spread into the villages.
9. Daring the year three new Assistants were appointed, while four resigned and
the services of one were dispensed with. At the end of the year there were 3 Inspect-
ors and 45 Assistants, including one on military duty, two in the Staff and three each
in the Reserve and the Hills. The sanctioned cadre of 52 Assistants has been in-
creased by 6 Reserve and 1 Hills Assistant. During the year the pay of Inspectors
was raised to Rs. 100—10—200 and that of the Assistants to Rs. 50—10/5—100 : the
maximum fixed travelling allowance of Assistants was raised from Rs. 25 to Rs. 30
per mensem.
10. In spite of many adverse circumstances Mr. Harris' report is a summary of
solid work accomplished during the year under report. With the appointment, since
the close of the year under report, of Babu Guru Prasanna Sen as Deputy Superin-
tendent there will be greater opportunities to extend the activities of the Department,
but unless Local Boards realise their responsibilities and employ generally two Assist-
ants at least, we cannot expect disease to be kept down. The failure of Boards in
this matter has necessitated the recent addition of 6 Reserve Assistants to cope with
outbreaks and to fill leave vacancies. The resignation of four Assistants during the
year is regrettable : unfortunately my experience of the Department, extending over
nine years, shows that no one on the average takes up Veterinary work except as a
last resort. Consequently the general standard of education of the Assistants is
usually below the Matriculation standard. The result is often miserably bad diagno-
sis and an entire absence of interest in professional work: in fact posts seem to have
been accepted mainly as a means of providing an income in uncomfortable and un-
congenial circumstances, which should be avoided whenever possible. The ultimate
result is that, when work is insisted on, resignation is the only alternative to dismissal.
With the attraction of men of better education we should do better and retain our
staff. As it is, we have some excellent officers and I would draw the attention of
Government to the names mentioned by the Superintendent as deserving commenda-
tion.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient Servant,
J. McSWINEY,
Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Assam.