( 3 )
5. Diseases of Cattle,—There is attached to the Report a synopsis of the
transactions of the year in connection with cattle-disease, but the Superin-
tendent expresses a doubt whether the figures given in this statement are
even approximately correct. The Officiating Lieutenant-Governor shares this
doubt, and desires to direct the attention of District Officers to this synopsis
(Appendix XXVIIA), as well as to the instructions contained in Revenue
Department Circular No. 4Agri., dated 6th February 1895. That circular
directed that the occurrence of serious or epidemic disease among cattle
should be reported direct, and, if necessary, by telegram, to the Superintendent,
Civil Veterinary Department. It is clear that these orders are not being
carried out; in many cases the Superintendent derived his first informa-
tion of the outbreak of disease from a perusal of the Weather and Crop
reports in the Calcutta Gazette; in very few cases did he receive direct information
from the District Officer, and in some, Mr. Stevens regrets to observe, he had
difficulty in obtaining replies to enquiries which he addressed to District
Officers with regard to the reports published in the Gazette. It is satisfactory,
however, that Veterinary Assistants were sent to combat outbreaks in the follow-
ing districts:—
Bankura.
Midnapore.
Hooghly.
Rangpur.
Patna.
Saran.
Muzaffarpur.
Bhagalpur.
Purnea.
Jalpaiguri.
Angul.
Veterinary-Captain Raymond's general suggestions for the check of rinderpest
and other cattle-disease are full of interest, and are under the consideration of
Government. But whatever may be the most suitable method of coping with
these epidemics, it is essential that the Veterinary Department should receive
the earliest and most accurate information possible of their occurrence. His
Honour trusts that the current year will show a considerable improvement
in this respect.
6. Cattle-breeding.—The attempts which have been made in these Provinces
to improve the breed of cattle were briefly noticed in paragraph 12 of the
Resolution of 5th October 1896. The experiment of introducing Brahmini
bulls from Bihar into Lower Bengal, which has been tried in the past two years,
has not, so far, been attended with much success; and Veterinary-Captain
Raymond promises a general report on cattle-breeding in Bengal, which the
Officiating Lieutenant-Governor will await with interest. It is reported that,
in Birbhum, Patna rams have been introduced into the flocks with the result
of a large increase in the value of the stock; and this example is one that might
probably be followed with advantage in other districts. A description is given
in the Report of prize-shows held in connection with the fairs at Sonepur,
Berhampore, Kalimpong and Suri. The fair and show at the latter place were
held for the first time, and appear to have been most successful; an account of
the arrangements which contributed to their success is given, and may afford
useful assistance to officers organizing similar functions elsewhere. These
shows and competitions must have an excellent effect in encouraging agri-
cultural improvement, and the Officiating Lieutenant-Governor would like
to see them become more general.
7. Veterinary-Captain Raymond was on tour for 72 days, and travelled
more than 6,000 miles. His Honour's thanks are due to him for the zeal and
energy with which he has entered upon his new duties, and for his able and
interesting report. They are likewise due to Messrs. Macpherson and Lyon
for their supervision of the Department; as well as to the Committee of
Management of the Bengal Veterinary Institution.
By order of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal,
M. FINUCANE,
Secretary to the Government of Bengal.