( 4 )
per cent. in 1896-97. This favourable result is due to better nursing and also
to better supervision.
35. The students had opportunity of studying most of the contagious
diseases they will be called upon to diagnose, for we had 25 cases of Glanders,
76 of Rinderpest, 26 of Foot-and-Mouth, 9 of Tuberculosis, and 3 of Rabies,
including one case in a cow (Appendices XII, XIII, XIV, and XV).
36
Two hundred and seventy-two operations were performed in the
presence of the students during the year as against 166 in 1896-97, showing
an increase of 106 (Appendix XVI). One accident happened owing to the
struggles of a colt during castration: the animal broke his back.
These
unfortunate occurrences will happen now and again in spite of the greatest
care, more especially in a Clinic which admits all animals irrespective of temper
and vice.
37. The ambulances—The ambulances have been of great use, and have
done good work in saving a great deal of unnecessary suffering. No fee is
taken for their use, and a Veterinary Assistant goes in charge.
38. Repairs, &c.—I am glad to report that Government has sanctioned the
repairs to the flooring of the stables, which have been so urgently required in
order to make them safe. I was anxious to secure funds for building ten loose
boxes, but the money has not been sanctioned. This I regret, as I think good
interest on the outlay might have been secured.
39. Government has, however, sanctioned the funds for leasing the
garden opposite the Institution for extending the premises, and I hope in
time to be able to move all our contagious disease over there, and reserve the
present Infirmary for ordinary cases.
40. A revised scale of fees is before Government, and, I hope, will soon
be sanctioned.
THE FORGE.
41. The number of horses shod in the institution during the year was 307
only as against 368 shod in 1896-97. The cause of this falling-off is being
investigated; it is probably due to the change of regiments at Dum-Dum.
42. In my last Annual Report I mentioned that the art of shoeing as
practised in Bengal left something to be desired, and that I purposed sounding
District Officers to ascertain if enough men could be sent to the School, for
training, to make it worth while to engage a European farrier to teach them.
The answers received have negatived the question, as only one man
volunteered to be taught.
43. At the request of the Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department,
a collection was made of the various shoeing tools of native origin used in the
districts of Bengal. The tools were sent to Simla.
FINANCIAL.
44. The income from fees for treatment and shoeing of animals in the
Institution amounts to Rs. 4,988-12-6 and the cost of feeding the patients is
Rs. 4,987-10-6. The expenditure is therefore just covered by the income.
45. The outstanding accounts amount to Rs. 50-6 only.
46. The expenditure in feeding during this year exceeds that of 1896-97
by Rs. 1,001-2-1, which is partly due to increase of patients and partly to dear-
ness of grain.
47. The income for 1897-98 shows an increase of Rs. 203-14-3 over that
of 1896-97. This sum would have been larger but for the large number of free
cattle) patients treated.
48. The usual financial statements, are enclosed (Appendices XVII and
XVIII).
HOSTEL.
49. In January 1896 His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor sanctioned
the construction of a Hostel for the students of the Bengal Veterinary Institu-
tion; the building was completed in June 1897.
50. It consists of the two-storied main building affording accommodation
for 34 to 50 students and the Sub-Assistant Superintendent, a covered passage,