268 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



There is little comment to be made on the table, fm*ther 

 than to note that the number of sheep seems to have increased 

 over the number reported the previous year. In spite of the 

 obstacles to this industry, there seems to be quite a little in- 

 terest taken in it at the present time. 



Tuberculosis. 



That portion of the duties of the Cattle Bureau in con- 

 nection with tuberculosis can be divided, as in preceding 

 years, under three heads. 



First. — That part of the work resulting from the action 

 of the local inspectors of animals quarantining cattle sus- 

 pected of having tuberculosis, which must be examined by 

 agents of the Cattle Bureau, and appraised and killed if 

 found to be diseased, or released from quarantine if the 

 ao;ents do not consider them diseased. 



Second. — The quarantine work required by the regula- 

 tions of the Cattle Bureau, intended to prevent the introduc- 

 tion of tuberculous animals from without the State, all neat 

 cattle except beeves for immediate slaughter, calves under 

 six months old, cattle returning from out-of-State pastures, 

 or cattle intended for exhibition at cattle shows, being sub- 

 jected to a tuberculin test. 



This can be sub-divided into testing all cattle brought to 

 the stock 3'ards at Brighton, Watertown or Somerville upon 

 which a tuberculin test is required, and bringing cattle to 

 points outside these yards, which are held as quarantine sta- 

 tions, upon permits issued by the Chief of the Cattle Bureau. 



The quarantine stations are in charge of Mr. C. A. Dennen, 

 and here the milch cows, store cattle, bulls and working oxen 

 are tested every Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, 

 coming from other States, which are to be offered for sale on 

 the market Wednesday morning. Here no certificates of 

 test made outside the State are accepted ; every animal 

 upon which a test is required is tested by the agent and his 

 assistants. 



In regard to the other portion of this work, consisting of 

 testing cattle brought on permits to })oints outside the quar- 

 antine stations, if these animals are accompanied by a sat- 



