The Cattle-Plague. 267 



Previous outbreaks Lad been traced to imported cattle ; tlie 

 cause for these was inexplicable, and, after much surmising, the 

 country settled down in the belief, and a very reasonable one, 

 that infected matter scattered in the line of wind had broken the 

 cordons that had been imposed. These outbreaks were quashed, 

 but alarm has since been spread. The experiment reflects im- 

 mense credit on those who have conducted it. 



The more general course of action is illustrated by the Norfolk 

 Association, and in glancing at details kindly furnished by Mr. 

 C. S. Reed we shall perceive some of the difficulties as well as 

 the disadvantages attending it. The Association, consisting of 

 farmers and landowners, was formed early in July, for mutual 

 assurance and the regulation of the cattle trade in conformity 

 Avith Orders in Council. A fund raised by a rate upon the 

 Poor-law assessment (9000/.), and supplemented by a very 

 liberal subscription of the landowners (5000/.), was applied to 

 the relief of sufferers, to whom was paid two-thirds the value of 

 their cattle. In December, a new rate being required, 8000/. 

 Avas added to the former sum. By the first rule members were 

 prohibited from buying any stock for six weeks, but though nine- 

 tenths of the farmers Avere members, the unassociated tenth 

 vitiated the rule and inoculated the Avhole county. The Mayor 

 for 1865 at length closed the market, Avhich was reopened by the 

 Mayor of 1866 for fat stock bound solely to the Metropolitan 

 Market. The effect of this restriction Avas that the Yarmouth 

 butchers received their supply of cattle from NorAvich via London, 

 the Government not being disposed to close the Metropolitan 

 Market. In fact, by reason of diverse and selfish counsels, the 

 Association gave up the idea of stamping out the disease and 

 turned their attention to treatment. 



The difficulties attending local action are Avell exemplified by 

 a case in South Lincolnshire Avhere the beneficial operation of a 

 Mutual Assurance Society Avas neutralized by Aarious alterations 

 in the original rules, Avhich had the effect of releasing from 

 obligation those Avho signed the first constitution. "We are thus 

 placed in a false position," says my informant, " Ave cannot 

 compel adherence ; all is upon honour." It is to be feared that 

 many other associations are placed in the same situation ; those 

 who are true to their honourable obligations find themselves 

 Avithout power of legal recovery against those Avho are not. 



Could such energy be imported into the measures noAV being 

 enforced in England as Ave are called to Avitness in Aberdeenshire, 

 there might be some hope for us even now at the eleventh hour. 

 Judging from present appearances, however, -ve have no reason 

 to be very hopeful. The rate of compensation offered, and the 

 powers given to inspectors, are not such as to bring the farmers 



