No. 4.] CATTLE COMMISSIONERS. 525 



As compared with the number of cases reported in 1897, 

 the above table shows a decrease not only in the number of 

 animals but also in the number of cities and towns from 

 which cases were reported the previous year. 



In 1897 there were 402 horses killed as being affected 

 with this disease, — 16 (not counting the horse run off) 

 more than during 1898. Eighty-one were reported as dis- 

 eased which were released as free from glanders or farcy, — 

 40 more than in 1898 ; the total number in 1897 of real or 

 suspected cases exceeded those of 1898 by 61, crediting the 

 2 cases not disposed of at the close of 1897 to that year. 



In 1897 cases or suspected cases of glanders or farcy were 

 reported from 83 cities and towns, while in 1898 but 71 

 cities and towns reported cases of this disease, — a falling 

 off of 12. 



One of the cases reported from Lynn was quarantined and 

 released in the latter part of 1897, and requarantined by the 

 inspector in the spring of 1898, as the symptoms had devel- 

 oped further, and it was ordered killed as having glanders. 



One of the cases reported from Fall River is entered twice, 

 as the horse was quarantined as having farcy and its release 

 ordered by the Board ; later, further symptoms made their 

 appearance, and the owner had the inspector kill the horse, 

 which was then reported as killed for farcy with the owner's 

 consent ; therefore, in reality the total number of cases re- 

 ported from Fall River is 19 instead of 20. 



As in previous years, Boston leads in the number of cases ; 

 but it must be borne in mind that Boston is much larger than 

 any other city in the State, and is also the centre for a vast 

 amount of traffic, requiring a great number of horses. In 

 fact, more than half the number of cases reported have been 

 within ten miles of the State House, 138 in Boston, 28 in 

 Cambridge, 40 in Somerville and 10 in Chelsea, making a 

 total of 216. 



Boston and Cambridge had about the same number of cases 

 the past year as in 1897, while Somerville and Chelsea show 

 an increase. Four of the cases reported from Waltham 

 should really be credited to Boston. The horses belonged 

 to an express company in Waltham, but had been boarded 

 at a stable in Boston ; for some reason they were brought 



