610 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. D«c. 



them. Of course, what we most dread is not dead bodies of rabbits, 

 rats, snalces or frogs, whicli can be seen by the naked eye, but those 

 i:ivisible destroyers, the disease germs; but if the rabbit can get in, 

 much more easily the germ. 



LEGISLATION. 



But probably the most encouraging indication with regard to 

 sanitary advancement during the year has been the greatly increased 

 interest shown in the subject by the State Legislature. 



No less than fifteen laws having a direct bearing on the protec- 

 tion of health were passed by that body. 



Two separate acts were passed each appropriating the sum of 

 150,000 for the use of the State Board in meeting emergencies, one 

 of them entirely for aiding the local authorities in the suppression 

 of smallpox, while at the same time a small addition was made to 

 the regular appropriation to the Board. Among those of most in- 

 terest to rural communities, are Act No. 60, ''To encourage the 

 repression of tuberculosis of cattle;" Act No. 100, allowing school 

 directors and constables to be members of a board of health; and 

 Act No. 254, prohibiting adulteration of food. 



Even more satisfactory than the large increase of appropriations 

 was the passage of the law "extending the powers of the Board;" as 

 it evinced a degree of confidence in the sound judgment and discre- 

 tion of its members, which was most gratifying. 



It will be seen then that the Legislature and the various agencies 

 which it has created for the protection of the lives and health of 

 the people of the Commonwealth, are more and more appreciating 

 the full measure of their responsibilities; and it now becomes your 

 duty, representatives of the great agricultural class and leaders of 

 thought and opinion in your own districts, to do all in your power 

 to disseminate knowledge on these subjects and to create a public 

 opinion favorable to utilizing all the opportunities thus offered 

 by the State government. 



The CHAIRMAN: The report of Dr. Leffmau, Microscopist and 

 Hygienist of the Board. 



The SECRETARY: I have no report. 



The CHAIRMAN: The report of Prof. Cochran. 



The SECRETARY: [ have no report. 



The CHAIRMAN: Tl)e rej.ovt of Prof. Surface, Ornithologist of 

 the Board. 



PROF. SURFACE: Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board and 

 Visitors: I place on the desk some iniblications of the American 

 Ornithologist Union. Some of them are colored plates of our own 



