9
bullocks present at Jamalpur and Bogra fairs, but the fees realised show a considerable
decrease, and no reasons have been offered for the same. The fairs at North Sylhet
and Malda are reported to have been successful. The local authorities have taken
a great interest in. the matter. The Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet remarks that
the shows are helping to arouse some interest in the breeding of cattle.
PART V.—EXPENDITURE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
69. Table XIV-A.—The
cost of the Department, as stated by the Acountant-
General, Eastern Bengal and Assam, is Rs. 1,16,346-13-11 and shows an increase by
Its. 15,615-3-5 over the previous year. The increase under every head is due to the
general expansion of the Department. The contribution of Rs. 27,665 by this pro-
vince, paid towards the up-keep of the Bengal Veterinary College, has not been
included in the expenditure under Veterinary Instruction.
GENERAL REMARKS.
70. The limited supply of serum was the cause of much anxiety throughout the
year. Every offort was made to insist against waste, and inoculation was limited
strictly to the young and the valuable working animals. The Imperial Laboratory
supplied 55,900 doses of rinderpest serum against 60,000 and 77,000 in the previous
two years. They also supplied 2,000 doses of anthrax serum, 333 doses of hæmorrha-
gic septicæmia serum, and 50 doses of mallein. A largo number of inoculations was
carried out on tea estates. On every occasion an enquiry was made from the head
office and the Manager kindly supplied the particulars required. The results thus
received supported and confirmed the statements made by the Veterinary Assistants.
The inoculations were considered very satisfactory, as the mortality had stopped
amongst the inoculated, but continu3d amongst the non-inoculated. Only in one
instance was there an unsatisfactory report, where fortunately only 18 animals were
inoculated. Further enquiry showed that the dose had been too small for that special
breed of animal. They were cross-bred hill animals, but had received only the
dose for a plains animal
71. An outbreak of anthrax occurred on the second day of the Assam Valley
Light Horse Camp. Two animals were attacked and died, a large supply of grass
locally collected was burned, the horse lines involved were vacated and the remaining
horses inoculated. No further case occurred in the Camp.
72. The revised rate of travelling allowance which was sanctioned at the begin-
ning of the year has greatly facilitated the work of the itinerating officers, and up to
the present time it has proved sufficient for average requirements.
73. During the year no permanent buildings have been crected for the Depart-
ment, due generally to lack of funds and a difficulty in obtaining suitable sites. In
Dacca the work is greatly handicapped for want of a site for veterinary buildings
including a hospital, laboratory, office, etc. Hospitals are still wanted in Shillong
and Silchar and a dispensary in Jorhat.
74. The office work is still increasing. During the year 7,096 letters were
received against 5,055 and 3,438 in the previous two years. The office staff has
worked very creditably during the year: they have taken an interest in the work
and promptly attended to urgent matters when I have been absent on tour.
W. HARRIS,
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Eastern
Bengal and Assam.