172 THE LURE OF THE LAND 



their maximum output, untouched by storm or stress. 

 It is the part of wisdom, therefore, to recognize these 

 misfortunes and to minimize their results by some sys- 

 tem of equal distribution of their burdens. 



Some system of insurance against hog cholera, tuber- 

 culosis, black leg, lumpy jaw, glanders, foot and mouth 

 disease, and similar epidemic and contagious diseases 

 should be devised. As these diseases, because of the 

 danger of interstate infection, are national in character, 

 the insurance should be of the same kind. The burden 

 on the individual farmer is too great. An epidemic 

 among his farm animals often means financial ruin. 

 No system of corporate insurance would be different 

 from that already in vogue. There are 55,000,000 

 cattle in the United States. A national tax of one dol- 

 lar per head would nearly pay for all losses. There 

 are 60,000,000 hogs in the United States. A tax of 

 one dollar would nearly compensate the owners for the 

 destruction by hog cholera. 



