12 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



On the 26th of August, a proposition was made by a member of the 

 Board, (Mr Lincohi,) to select another locality remote from NeAvton- 

 ville, purchase some cows and expose them to the diseased animal. 



I objected to it, for the reason that before a suitable place could be 

 prepared, and the animals procured, the only case which I could posi- 

 tively affirm had contracted the disease by the first exposure, (and that 

 a comparatively mild one,) would be so far advanced as to be unable to 

 propagate the disease. 



I made a proposition that the building at Newtonville be thoroughly 

 disinfected and cleansed, and tliat in twenty days after the cow No. 1 

 was attacked, tAvo or more healthy animals be purchased and exposed 

 there to test the length of time in which diseased animals can communi- 

 cate the disease. Several instances have occurred during the past five 

 years wherein healthy animals have been exposed to diseased ones, 

 which had previously communicated the disease to others, without 

 receiving the infection. My proposal, being objected to, the first was 

 adopted. 



The farm on which the Soldier's Home is located in Weston was 

 selected. A shed was erected, and two animals procured, when we 

 were visited by the selectmen, and nearly all the farmers in that vicinity, 

 protesting against the disease being brought into their neighborhood, but 

 if it must be, requesting that another place be selected. 



The objections offered being reasonable, the farm of D. W. Jacobs, in 

 a retired place, was selected, the" shed removed, but not until the morn- 

 ing of the 4th of September did the exposure commence. 



Two cows at Newtonville, Nos. 1 and 4, were carried to Weston in 

 the night time, arriving at Weston on the morning of the 4th of Sep- 

 tember. They (the four cows,) were kept in the shed (made of rough 

 boards,) for one week, when the two diseased ones were in the night 

 time carried back to Newtonville. 



Not the slightest evidence existed that either of the animals at 

 Weston had contracted the disease up to the time of its appearance at 

 Deer Island, when on the 21st of November, a calf which was attacked 

 Avith the disease four days previous, was carried to Weston and placed 

 between the two cows and kept for fifteen days, after Avhicli it was 

 slaughtered. The autopsy showed extensive disease of both lungs, 

 probably not more than one-third of one lung being in a healthy con- 

 dition. On the 17th of January, 18135, forty-two days from the time 

 the calf was kiUed, and fifty-seven days from the first day of the exposure, 

 one of the cows. No. 1, was evidently sick, and with thoracic disease. 



The symptoms Avere, almost constant coughing, (a suppressed sore 

 cough,) eyes dull, head depressed, loss of appetite, great prostration, 

 Avalking with reluctance across tlie yard to drink. 



