No. 4.] CATTLE COMMISSIONERS. 443 



their cattle, and the weeding out of the diseased and unthrifty 

 members of herds. 



The following letters from inspectors will give an idea of 

 the benefits derived from this work, and also illustrate the 

 difficulties of a fall inspection : — 



NoKTH Attleborovgh, Mass., Nov. 15, 1900. 

 Austin Peters, Esq., Chairman, Cattle Commission. 



My Dear Sir: — I send you to-night by express my report of 

 the inspection for this year. I trust it will prove satisfactory. I 

 have been surprised and gratified at the marked improvement seen 

 everywhere in the care and cleanliness of the animals and the 

 apparent absence of anything indicating tuberculosis. 1 have 

 answered the question, "What improvements," etc., invariably 

 " None," supposing that the improvements related to the barns or 

 sheds in which the animals were housed. With but few excep- 

 tions all are sheltered satisfactorily ; the supply of water from 

 well, spring, river and the town water works is pure and abun- 

 dant ; the appearance of the cattle indicate that they are well fed 

 and groomed. 



For the encouragement of the Cattle Commissioners I would 

 state that very general praise has been expressed by the cattle 

 owners at the marked efficiency displayed in the management of 

 the commission, with the wish that they maybe satisfactorily sup- 

 ported by the Legislature this session in their recommendations 

 and appropriations desired for a continuance of the work. 



Mr. H. P. Wilmarth has a very large and prolific goat farm in 

 the New Boston district, so called, of this town. On my visit 

 there I found 350 goats, in excellent condition. The farm is well 

 conducted, and the owner states that this industry is steadily 

 growing, and profitable. I have not included this inspection in 

 my report. 



Yours respectfully, W. Henry Kling. 



Wrentham, Mass., Dec. 3, 1900. 

 State Cattle Commission. 



Gentlemen: — Having injured my hand, have had my report 



copied, and trust it will meet with your approval. I send same 



by express to-day. I have inspected all of the neat stock in 



town, with the exception of 8 two-year-old heifers that broke 



pasture and are running wild. This inspection has been very 



gratifying ; the hard-headed ones, who at first said it would not 



