2
Though these figures are satisfactory, as far as they go, it cannot hut he admitted
that they are not altogether reliable. Nearly 80 per cent. of the deaths were reported
from the Brahmaputra Valley. I am inclined to think that, the low figures reported
elsewhere are due rather to faulty returns than, to conditions being much more favour-
able than in the Brahmaputra Valley.
6. The useful character of the inoculation work done by the Veterinary Assistant!
is apparent from the fact that out of 19,953 cattle inoculated in villages in which out
breaks of, rinderpest occurred only 305 died of the disease, while 4,357 deaths were
reported among uninoculated animals. In all, 16,325 animals were inoculated against
30,439 in 1912-13: of these, only 332 died after inoculation against 898 in the previous
year. This represents a decrease on last year total, which is due to a very large
decrease in the number of outbreaks of rinderj st.
7. During the year 1912-13, great impro 3ments were effected in the system of
reporting outbreaks of cattle-disease. While must be admitted that the system is
not carried out perfectly, it is satisfactory to te that considerable progress has been
made. With growing knowledge among the people of what can be done to check
contagious diseases, it is hoped that the apathy which at present stands in our way will
be dissipated. While great efforts have been and will be made in this connection, the
curing of defects is necessarily largely a matter of time.
8. Perhaps the most gratifying feature in the work of the past year is the increase
in the number of cases treated by Veterinary Assistants while on. tour. The number
of animals treated for contagious diseases was greater by 7,258 and for non-contagious
diseases by 12 296 than in the previous year, the total increase in numbers being no
less than 19,554. This goes to show that there is a growing appreciation on the
part of the raiyat of the work of the Department. That the Veterinary Assistant should
enjoy the confidence of the cultivator is a matter of paramount importance.
It is a matter for regret that more use could not be made of the Dispensary at
Dhubri. The new hospital at Gauhati should meet a real need.
9. The improvement of the breed of cattle is a question which is at present
engaging the attention of the Agricultural Department, but there are many difficulties
tobe overcome. It is expected that the report of the Special Officer deputed by the
late Government of Eastern Bengal and Assam to enquire into this question will
contain much useful information and advice. During the year there were 13 stud
bulls maintained from the State and public funds, but their number is still so small
that they can have little practical effect. The bull and sheep breeding operations on
the Upper Shillong Farm have been continued with success.
10. Attention is invited to the remarks on cattle poisoners contained in paragraph
46. They are a pest to the localities concerned and it is obviously desirable that every
effort should be made to bring them to justice.
11. I think that great credit is due to Messrs. Harris and Hickey for the energy
they have shown in administering the Department, under considerable difficulties.
The Inspectors appear to have worked satisfactorily. The staff of assistants leaves
something to be desired both in the matter of quantity and quality. It is gratifying
to observe, however, that Mr. Harris has been able to enumerate the names of certain
officers as deserving of special commendation. Fairly constant and efficient supervision
of the subordinate staff as a whole will doubtless always be necessary and its import-
ance cannot be overestimated. As the supply of material improves, it will be easier to
deal adequately with those of its members whose work is unsatisfactory.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient Servant,
A. E. EDWARDS,
Director, Department of Land Records and Agriculture, Assam.