2
ground for hope that it will in time prove not impossible to overcome the suspicion
with which the more ignorant of the people naturally regard the prophylactic
treatment of cattle. It must not be forgotten that appreciable success has been
obtained in Northern India. In dealing with the far less fatal, but still most
injurious and troublesome complaint of foot and mouth disease, it is reasonable
to believe that progress, slow but sure, is being made. It is a disease for the
treatment of which people resort readily to the dispensaries, and accept advice
from itinerating or visiting Veterinary Assistants in the villages.
7. The treatment of non-contagious diseases in the dispensaries made
satisfactory progress. Four new dispensaries were opened during the year and
the total number of these institutions at the end of the year was thirty-two.
There was also a more than proportionate rise in the recorded number of animals
treated.
8. The remarks of the Director of Agriculture that different methods are
adopted for calculating the average attendance and number of animals treated
at different dispensaries seem to show that instructions are required to secure
uniformity of method. The matter will no doubt receive attention. It is true
that the work of a dispensary cannot be adequately judged merely by the record of
its number of patients, but such a record is not without its uses, and at least affords
some indication of the readiness or otherwise of the people to receive help.
9. The recent provincialization of the Department has already had a
beneficial effect on its moral and discipline. The comments of the Superintendent
show that he has been enabled to appreciate merit and detect slackness and
incompetence on the part of his subordinates.
10. The breeding operations at the Northcote Cattle Farm were successfully
continued and the keen demand for good bulls is an encouraging feature.
11 Government cannot undertake in a review of the Annual Report to
pronounce upon large and new suggestions of policy vitally affecting the constitu-
tion and aims of the Department. Any views of the kind which the Director desires
to communicate to Government should be submitted separately. Government
are fully prepared to consider any matured suggestions which the Director
has to make for the improvement of the Department under his supervision, and for
the practical adaptation of its services to the requirements of agriculturists.
12. The energy and interest in his work displayed by Mr. Hewlett merit
high commendation.
13. In Sind six Veterinary dispensaries were open during the year. In
Karachi town and district an epidemic of rinderpest occurred but the mortality
though considerable was not excessive. The usual causes operated to prevent
the serum treatment being completely successful, but the fact that of nearly
fifteen hundred animals inoculated only two succumbed to the disease is note-
worthy. Government are glad to be assured by Major Trydell that the agricultural
stock of the Province is adequate for its present requirements.
14. The Glanders and Farcy Department was as usual efficiently
administered
H. B. CLAYTON,
Under Secretary to Government.
To
The Commissioner in Sind,
The Commissioner, N. D.,
The Commissioner, C. D.,
The Commissioner, S. D.,
All Collectors, including the Collectors and Deputy Com-
missioners in Sind,
The Director of Agriculture,
The Director of Public Instruction,
The Sanitary Commissioner for the Government of Bombay,
With copies of
the Report.