26 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



in regard to this disease be brought to light. I do not deem it 

 proper to enter into an argument as to the best course to be 

 followed in relation to the disorder, but simply to give you the 

 facts as they have come before me, trusting that the legislature 

 would search out any defects that may exist in the present 

 statutes bearing upon this case, and apply the remedy. Let me 

 suggest that if the present system of slaughter is to be continued, 

 that the law be so amended as to enable the Commissioners to sell 

 for meat such beef as they may deem perfectly healthy for food. 



I annex hereunto a copy of each of the Orders * passed by the 

 governor's council, intended as it would seem to be a guide in 

 some degree for our action. There can be no possible doubt but 

 that the course therein indicated could be carried out with 

 perfect safety to the community. Nor can I for a moment 

 question whether a series of experiments, if made by men compe- 

 tent to make the same, would ultimately be the means of saving 

 a vast amount of property to the Commonwealth. Certain is it 

 that the public would then have the satisfaction of knoiving- what 

 had better be done instead of groping where, at best, all is mere 

 conjecture. . F. D. Lincoln. 



Brimfield, January 7, 1865. 



I have been desirous from the first to embody in my Reports 

 a full history of the proceedings on the part of the Common- 

 wealth and individuals acting in any official capacity, in regard 

 to this disease. It is for that reason that I have delayed the 

 printing some days to give place to the above report of the 

 minority. I will not allude to its general tone of gross injustice 

 .to Dr. Thayer, whose long experience and observation of this 

 malady would seem to entitle him to be treated with respect, 

 at least, by a colleague just appointed upon the commission, 

 with no previous observation of the disease. Every one who 

 knows the competency of Dr. Thayer and his eminent fitness 

 for the position he holds upon the commission, will entertain 

 the fullest confidence in his skill and judgment, in the perform- 

 ance of his duties. He is well known to be better informed in 

 regard to the disease and the facts of its more recent history 

 than any other man in the Commonwealth. It is but fair that 



*The substance of these Orders is given on page 12, in the report of the 

 majority. 



