442 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Summary. 



Number of herds inspected, . 

 Number of cows inspected, 

 Number of bulls inspected, 

 Number of oxen inspected. 

 Number of joung 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, 

 No report furnished : New Braintree, Rockland 

 Warwick and Wayland. 



33,000 



181,105 



6,912 



2,399 



64,852 



258,268 



32,411 



74,031 



33,020 



1,662 



The above summary shows the tremendous amount of 

 work accomplished in the aggregate by the inspectors, and, 

 while the improvements noted are not many, yet there 

 seems to be a continual tendency toward a better condition 

 both in the care of live stock and premises. 



Many letters were received from the inspectors after com- 

 pleting their annual inspection, showing that the work is a 

 benefit, although many of them complain that it is very diffi- 

 cult to make a complete inspection in the autumn, when so 

 many of the cattle are at pasture, and they think a more 

 thorough one could be made in the spring, before the animals 

 are turned out. This is undoubtedly true. It would also 

 require more money, as more diseased cattle would be found 

 after beino; housed all winter than can be detected after the 

 creatures have led an out-door life for several months. This 

 is also an argument for more sunshine, fresh air and out- 

 door exercise. A spring inspection would require a liberal 

 appropriation, and it would be necessary to have it available 

 early in the legislative session. 



When it is considered that the summer of 1900 was very 

 dry and the pastures were consequently poor, it is gratifying 

 to hear that neat stock looked so well. This is no doubt in 

 a measure due to the mild weather in the fall, permitting the 

 cattle to run at pasture until late, and the good pasturage 

 resulting from the autumn rains after the long drought was 

 broken, but the inspectors seem to think it is in part due to 

 the annual inspection leading owners to take better care of 



