134 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Milton, and also one in Dorchester, have been affected for some 

 months. Four animals from one of these herds, which had 

 been sick during the summer of last year, but had apparently- 

 recovered, were taken to Brighton in the fall and sold. Four 

 of the other herd have since died or been killed, all presenting 

 a seriously diseased appearance. On examination by the veteri- 

 narians conversant with the Brookficld complaint, tlicy pro- 

 nounced it identical, so far as they could judge. There are 

 four or five animals still left of this herd, some of which are 

 either sick or showing symptoms of contagion. There are also 

 other cases which have not been examined — the selectmen of 

 the towns waiting the action of the legislature in passing a law 

 authorizing a new commission. The law has now been passed, 

 and the commissioners appointed, and we would respectfully 

 urge upon the gentlemen composing that commission the great 

 importance of immediate measures to investigate the disease, 

 and, if necessary, applying the remedies placed by the law in 

 their hands, that the ravages of this fearful pest, (which there 

 is little doubt is identical with the Brookficld disease, and 

 which can be traced to that neighborhood,) may be stayed. 



There still being doubters in the community as to the exist- 

 ence of contagious pleuro-pneumonia, earnest attention is called 

 to the thorough and convincing report of the first Board of 

 Commissioners, with accompanying documents, in the Report 

 of the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture for 1860. 



We believe that no person, however prejudiced he may have 

 been, who has been present at the examination of affected 

 animals, has failed to become convinced of the contagiousness 

 of the disease ; and it would seem impossible that any one can 

 doubt this fact who will examine the various reports that have 

 been made upon it in Europe and in tliis country. 



H. H. Peters. 

 Phineas Stedman. 

 Freeman Walker. 



At the same meeting it was 



Resolved, That while the State Board of Agriculture recognizes the 

 imperative necessity of a reduction of the expenses of the Commonwealth, 

 at the present time, they also recognize the importance of an efficient 

 agricultural organization throughout the State, consisting of the State 



