Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1888-08-23
REPORT OF STOCK COMMISSIONERS AND
VETERINARY SURGEON.

The board of stock commissioners
in it's report for the year 1887, calls
attention to the fact that during the
year 80. l34 head of cattle were in
spected. of which 1854 head were
re-inspected at Minnesota Transfer.
that 3, 40 strays were recovered in
shipments and 1893 upon ranges, and
l3 persons arrested. The report shows
u balance in fund December 81, 1856.
of S1,4i4.ls; amount received from
treasurers OF the various counties
contributing to the fund. for 1887.
making total of S2O.3jj.11. Of
this amount 81. ,925.51 was paid out
in defraying expenses, leaving II bal
ance in fund. january LIST , Of 80, 43O. l3.
The report says: THAT the results
accomplished during 1887 are more
satisfactory than accomplished during
the previous years is demonstrated by
the following statistics, and the fact
that there passed through the hands
OF the Board OF Stock Commissioners
a total amount of SIS. S25. &c. in set
Element iOr strays discovered 10y he
stock Inspectors. II sum larger than
both the previous years combined.
In 1855 only 81 ,lI9.25 was RENTED
directly to the board. In 1856.
80, $685. was RENTED directly to
the board. OF the 81 5.s25.36 sent to
the board. Sl5.Ol2 80 was paid out
to the owners OF stray< and the bal
ance remains in the hands of the SEA-
Rotary OF the board, the owners cit her
not being known or the ownership
being in dispute"
The accompanying report Of the
territorial veterinarian shows that
there were but very few cases of dis
ease of u cont aeious character among
cattle during the whole year. The
quarantine regulations have been
strictly adhered to and no eat l.. from
infected districts have been allowed to
ent er the Territory.
AS regards horses the veterinarian
could not make so favorable II report :.
Diseases Of n peculiar nature had
broken out among horses in several
count les in territ DRY which had caused
considerable loss to owners and which
was difficult to handle owing to the
semi-wild state OF the horses and the
lack of means for carrying out scien-
titic investigation. Chambers has been
dealt with severely. Over 200 head of
horses and mules afflicted with this
disease have been killed during the
past year. The veterinarian says this
disease does not exist to such an
extent as to cause alarm. He con-
sitlers the general health OF the horses
OF the territ DRY good. Sheepthrough-
out the Territory are generally free
from scab.
Although there are many OF our
at nct",.u who doubt the wisdom OF
expediency OF continuing the tax for
inspectors and stock detectives, there
can he no doubt but that it has been
productive OF much good, directly and
indirectly. Owing to the heavy losses
OF two years ago and the consequent
shrinkage OF the treasury receipts, the
force OF inspectors have been greatly
reduced. Their absence has not occa-
stoned any alarm among attlemen
and it is question whether the men
in their employ are not as capable OF
looking after their interests as some
one specially employed. Conditions
are changing; bands are becoming
smaller, Indian raids less frequent and
thieves not SO numerous. While the
tax is light on small owners, yet they
claim no benefits commensurate with
the expense. Yet it is u question for
those to settle who are familiar with
the operations OF the system and who
are directly interest Ell. Men should not
have too narrow vision but weigh
the quest ion in a rational manner.