32 THE ITINERANT HORSE PHYSICIAN 



first job in my new official capacity in the follow- 

 ing manner: 



It was the custom at that time for the state of 

 Texas to appoint local inspectors in each county 

 to assist in maintaining the federal quarantine 

 lines and to make inspections of cattle for move- 

 ment within the state of Texas. In addition to 

 this they also made an inspection ( for the state of 

 Texas) of all cattle moving out of the quar- 

 antined area for any purpose whatever. 



These state inspectors were laymen, but usually 

 expert "cow-men" and very dependable inspec- 

 tors. In the instance of my first inspection two 

 of these state inspectors, Tom Benson and Joe 

 Merritt, were present. I allowed them to make 

 their inspection first and when they gave me their 

 opinion that the herd was free from ticks, I felt 

 that I need have no scruples about issing my cer- 

 tificate. I made only a casual examination and 

 frankly told the state inspectors that I had con- 

 fidence in their inspection. In this manner I not 

 only slipped through an embarrassing position, 

 for I knew absolutely nothing about inspecting 

 cattle in herds on the plains, but I also gained the 

 friendship and good-will of the two state men. 

 They did many good turns for me as long as I 

 was stationed at Colorado City and are num- 

 bered among my staunch friends to this day. 



On the following day McCunningham made 

 his appearance and I worked under his super- 

 vision for a time, until I was capable of making 

 a thorough inspection. 



This McCunningham was one of the old live- 



