( 2 )
It is inferred, however, that all would have a greater chance of success if
they received more constant support from the local authorities and enjoyed
the benefit of more frequent inspections by the head of the provincial depart-
ment. Veterinary-Major Raymond's opportunities for the inspection of outlying
institutions were considerably lessened owing to the demands made on his time
by the researches he carried on during the year with reference to rinderpest.
The Lieutenant-Governor, while fully recognising the very valuable nature of
these researches and the great ability with which they have been prosecuted
by Major Raymond, desires that in future they may not be allowed to retard
the very necessary duty of inspecting the work which is being done by
veterinary assistants outside Calcutta.
The most notable example of private generosity in connection with the
institution of veterinary institutions is that of Kumar Rameshwar Malia and
other gentlemen of Howrah, who have subscribed over Rs. 30,000 for building
and endowing a dispensary. The Lieutenant-Governor trusts that it will prove
to be so useful as to encourage other gentlemen elsewhere to follow this
excellent example.
7. Outbreaks of epidemic disease.—Much evidence was accumulated during
the year of the wide prevalence of glanders in Calcutta, and it is understood
that proposals for combating this dangerous disease will shortly be
submitted to Government. The other most notable outbreak of glanders was
at Dumka, where steps were promptly taken to suppress the disease. Rinderpest
too was fatal in an unusual degree in Calcutta. In the mufassal it does not
appear to have been abnormally active, yet it is reported that in one district
alone it carried off no less than 27,000 cattle. If these were worth only Rs. 10
each, the loss to the district was Rs. 2,70,000; and the maintenance of an
even insignificantly successful veterinary staff in the district would have
been a prudent measure of insurance.
8. Experiments.—An outbreak of rinderpest during the year at a large farm
under European management afforded a favourable opportunity for testing the
value of inoculation with bile as a preventive, and the results appear to fully
justify the extension of experiments with this substance, but this excellent
method will probably not for some time, owing to Hindu prejudices, be very
extensively employed. In addition, other experiments which have been reported
to Government were conducted during the year and appear to promise results of
interest.
9. Improvement of stock.—The progress made in this direction was the least
satisfactory feature of the work of the department during the year; but a
scheme is under consideration for the opening of a breeding farm at Pusa in
Darbhanga, which, it is hoped, will ultimately result in the steady supply of
suitable bulls for the province. In the direction of horse-breeding it has
been decided, with reluctance, that little can be done to counteract climatic
and other adverse influences.
10. The Lieutenant-Governor thanks Veterinary-Major Raymond for his
conduct of the affairs of the department, in developing which he has been
equally energetic and successful.
By order of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal,
F. A. SLACKE,
Secretary to the Govt. of Bengal.
No. 3145.
Copy forwarded to the Director of Land Records, Bengal, for information
and communication to the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
Bengal.
By order of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal,
E. LISTER,
Under-Secy. to the Govt. of Bengal.
Calcutta,
The 22nd August 1900.
E. J. H.—Reg. No. 2822C—971—23 8-1900.