EEPORT OX THE TRANSIT OF STOCK. 477 



There is just one other consideration which we desire to urge 

 in this section, and that is, the placing of all stock-carrying 

 vessels under the supervision of government inspection, and that 

 a code of rules be prepared, setting forth the space to be allowed to 

 each, ventilation, food, water, and sanitary arrangements gener- 

 ally, which would meet both the requirements of the animals 

 and the necessities of the steamer. 



The only argument submitted in evidence that this is required 

 is one of analogy, drawn from the experience of passenger vessels ; 

 and if it has been found that human beings cannot be trusted in 

 these vessels without constant supervision, how is it to be ex- 

 pected that cattle and sheep will be better treated ? Therefore, 

 until the law steps in with active practical supervision, it is 

 much to be feared that there will be but comparatively little 

 mitigation of the many and great evils from which stock 

 now suffer. 



Transit by Eail. — This may truly be called the great mode 

 of transit in these modern days, if the numbers and distances 

 be considered, and its benefits and evils are widespread in pro- 

 portion. 



The Horse. — In this, as in all other modes of conveyance, the 

 horse has more attention bestowed on him than any other animal. 

 The " boxes" in which they are conveyed are too familiar to need 

 description. Usually they are constructed to carry three animals, 

 have a compartment for the groom and a box for provender, so 

 that they afford every facility for the comfortable and safe con- 

 veyance of the animals. Moreover, as they usually are attached 

 to passenger trains, and so insured rapid transit in addition to 

 their other advantages, they may be looked upon as first-class 

 passengers amongst stock, and dismissed on the ground that their 

 wants are as well supplied as are the wants of first-class passengers 

 usually. There is one point, however, which should not be over- 

 looked, viz., that notwithstanding this seeming comfort, clothing, 

 and all the rest of it, a great number of horses catch cold during 

 transit, and this appears to be wholly attributable to the draughts, 

 from which no horse-box seems to be free. The remedy we would 

 suggest is, that instead of the louvre windows in these carriages, 

 which are made fixed usually, moveable louvre boards ought to be 

 used, so that the person in charge of the animals can regulate the 

 openings with sufficient nicety to give abundance of fresh air 

 without causing a chill, and that a ventilator over the head of 

 each be inserted, under control, thus causing a current of air only 

 where required. 



Occasionally inferior horses are carried in cattle trucks, just as 

 so many oxen, a practice altogether to be condemned. However, 

 if it be found necessary sometimes, the considerations affecting 



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