( 2 )
5. The number of cases treated at the hospital shows a steady increase
from 4,132 to 5,144. This is satisfactory, as indicating the increasing
confidence of the public in the institution, and as affording enlarged facilities
for the practical training of the students.
6. Civil Veterinary Department.—Diseases.—As stated in last year's
resolution the information about deaths from contagious diseases is not very
reliable, and the figures require scrutiny. Cases of surra and dourine are
reported from the Sonthal Parganas concerning which the Superintendent has
no information. According to the table two districts, namely, the Sonthal
Parganas and Puri, account for half the total mortality in the Province;
but no special outbreaks of a serious nature in these two districts are referred
to by the Superintendent. It is necessary that more attention should be given
in future to the preparation of this statement; and where figures call for special
comment careful inquiries should be made by the Superintendent before the
submission of his report. From the statistics it is impossible to come to any
conclusion about the prevalence of cattle-diseases during the past year. It is
noted with satisfaction that the number of animals inoculated has increased by
100 per cent. It is understood that the remarkable falling off in inocula-
tion work to which attention was drawn in last year's resolution was due to the
inclusion of figures for Eastern Bengal in 1906-07 and their exclusion in
1907-08. The Lieutenant-Governor agrees with the Superintendent in thinking
that the members of the Agricultural Association might render very useful help
to the Veterinary Department by promptly reporting serious outbreaks which
come to their notice, and he is glad to see that a commencement has been made
in this direction.
7. Veterinary Dispensaries.—There are now 27 veterinary dispensaries in
Bengal, 2 new ones having been opened during the year, one at Chapra and
the other at Bhagalpur. There has been a considerable decrease in the total
number of patients admitted to the provincial dispensaries during the year,
and in many cases the residents appear to take only a lukewarm interest
in them.
8. Breeding Operations.—The Lieutenant-Governor is pleased to notice
that some progress has been made in the distribution of bulls to public bodies
and private individuals. An outbreak of rinderpest has unfortunately greatly
weakened the Siri herd at Kalimpong.
9. General.—During the year the inspecting staff was considerably
strengthened. There are now four Inspectors appointed under the reorganiza-
tion scheme and 52 Veterinary Assistants in the Province. The reorganization
scheme has not yet been introduced so far as the Assistants are concerned.
The replies of the local bodies consulted in the matter are at present under
consideration.
10. The Lieutenant-Governor desires to acknowledge the efficiency of
Colonel Raymond's administration. His service has been extended for a period
of three years, and he has received special promotion in recognition of his work.
The Lieutenant-Governor also acknowledges the energy with which Mr.
Quinlan, the Superintendent of the Civil Veterinary Department, has carried
out his duties. He endorses the opinion expressed by these officers concerning
their assistants.
By order of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal,
C. G. H. ALLEN,
Offg. Chief Secy. to the Govt. of Bengal.
B. S. Press-3.9.1909—2648C-775-T. N. R.