474 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc 



Number of herds inspected, 

 Number of cows inspected, 

 Number of bulls inspected, 

 Number of oxen inspected, 

 Number of young cattle inspected, 

 Total number of cattle inspected, 

 Number of sheep inspected, . 

 Number of swine inspected, . 

 Number of stables inspected, . 

 Number of stables improved since 



last report, 884 - 778 



The above summary gives an idea of the vast amount of 

 work done by the inspectors in the various cities and towns, 

 and the results accomplished. It will be noticed that the 

 number of herds and premises inspected in 1901 exceed the 

 number in 1900, but that there is a decrease in the number 

 of neat cattle kept, of 6,866. This decrease is among young 

 cattle, bulls and oxen, while there is a slight increase in 

 milch cows. This indicates that the high price of grain and 

 hay has caused the farmers to convert animals that are not 

 producing anything into beef; and more cows are kept, 

 because the higher price of milk has led to keeping more 

 animals that produce a little revenue. 



While it is more difficult for the inspectors to make a 

 fall inspection in October and November, yet it is undoubt- 

 edly the best time to make it ; as badly diseased animals are 

 killed off in the autumn, that would otherwise contaminate 

 many others if they were closely housed with them during 

 the winter. While but a single inspection is made during 

 the year, the autumn is unquestionably the best time to 

 make it. A better idea of the premises upon which animals 

 are kept and the sanitary surroundings could be formed if 

 the inspection could be made at the time of year when all 

 the cattle are housed, and it would be easier for the inspec- 

 tors to make their examinations when the cattle are all in 

 the stables than when they are running in the fields ; but, 

 as a safeguard to the health of the creatures, it is certainly 

 best to see that only those in apparent health are allowed to 

 go into winter quarters together. 



