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duties. They have been successful Lecturers, and have given me every
satisfaction. Mr. D'Silva relieved me of the lectures on equine medicine, &c.,
as I found it impossible to attend regularly to this branch of the curriculum,
owing to my frequent absence on duty.
380. 1 now consider myself fortunate in my teaching staff, and take this
opportunity of thanking its members for the good work done during the year
and to express a hope that we shall do as well next year.
381. The Sub-Assistant Superintendent is a new officer of the Institution
rendered necessary by the opening of the Hostel. I had hoped when the first
appointment was made to get the same person to combine with this appoint-
ment that of Gymnastic Instructor. But the arraugement failed, and it was
necessary to make other arrangements. Therefore another gentleman was
appointed, and the duties of Sub-Assistant Superintendent are now separated
from those of Gymnastic Instructor, and Rs. 20 of the former's pay as originally
arranged go to remunerate the latter. This arrangement is before the Com-
mittee for consideration. The new Sub-Assistant Superintendent, on probation,
by name Babu Monmotho Nauth Chatterjee, has done his work well so far.
382. The appointment involves a certain amount of clerical work and book-
keeping in connection with the Hostel and the Institution, besides the supervision
of the students, their rooms, food, &c., and the purchase of the forage, &c., for
the animals in the Institution. The incumbent should be a Brahmin and a man
who can manage young men.
383. The Veterinary Overseer.—I have taken advantage of the appointment
of a Sub-Assistant Superintendent to lighten the duties of the Veterinary
Overseer, S. K. Mitter, which, as was shown in paragraph 177 of my last
Annual Report, were too heavy for successful work to be done.
384. The Veterinary Overseer is now able to devote his time to his
important duties of Veterinary Hospital Assistant when not on tour, and this
arrangement has had a good effect upon the death rate. ( Vide paragraph 34).
385. Unfortunately I have been compelled also to utilize Babu S. K.
Mitter's services outside those of his special appointment, owing to want of staff.
This has thrown a great deal of extra work upon the rest of the staff. As a
temporary measure this arrangement may be condoned with, but the fact must
now be faced that unless the staff is increased the work of this Department will
suffer in efficiency.
386. I have already brought this matter to notice in various letters to the
Director of Land Records, and the subject is under consideration.
OFFICE WORK.
387. As a natural result of the development of the Civil Veterinary
Department in Bengal the amount of work done in my office during the year
under report has been more than double the amount done in the previous year.
In the year 1897-98 2,168 letters and 6 circulars (4 to District Officers and 2 Dis-
trict Boards) were issued, against 957 letters and 2 circulars in the year 1896-97.
The number of letters received during the year 1897-98 is 2,101, while 827 is
the number received in 1896-97.
388. But this does not really represent all the extension of clerical work, as
owing to the increase of patients and opening of the Hostel there has been more
book-keeping. I am glad to say my two clerks have worked hard and well,
but I fear I shall have to apply for assistance, if the work increases, as it
probably will.
TOURS.
389. The travelling has been considerable during the year under review,
owing to Rinderpest investigations and to the outbreak of Glanders in North
Bihar; nevertheless, I have not been able to visit all the places I should have
liked to.
390. I was away on tour 171 days, and travelled 954 miles by road, 460
miles by steamer, ana 19,288 miles by rail, making a total of 20,702 miles.