REPORT 



Board of Catti^e Co:noiissioners. 



To the Honorable Senate ami House of Representatives. 



In conformity to section 51 of chapter 491 of the Acts of 

 the year 1894, the Board of Cattle Commissioners presents 

 the following report of its work for the year 1896. 



The law of 1894 has continued to be the basis of the work 

 of the Board during the year, except as it was modified by 

 the Legislature of 1896. The work has been continued 

 under the following heads : — 



First. — The supervision and direction of the local inspec- 

 tors of animals and provisions, appointed by cities and towns 

 under the provisions of chapter 491 of the Acts of 1894. 



Second. — The examination of all animals quarantined by 

 local inspectors as suspected of being afflicted with con- 

 tagious disease. 



Third. — The examination of cattle coming into the mar- 

 kets at Brighton, Watertown and Somerville from without 

 the State for sale, and without certificates of having passed 

 the tuberculin test before entering the State. 



Fourth. — The examination of cattle coming from without 

 the State upon special permit. 



Fifth. — The examination of stables, etc., with a view to 

 secure better sanitary conditions, for the prevention of dis- 

 ease. 



Sixth. — The conduct of laboratory and stable experi- 

 ments, to determine various problems connected with the 

 work of the Board. 



The work of the Board was quite thoroughly examined 

 during the last session of the Legislature by the joint com- 

 mittee on agriculture, in a hearing which occupied several 

 protracted sessions. The critics of the Board presented 

 statements and criticisms in support of bills which they pre- 

 sented, restricting the use of tuberculin, changing the 

 methods of local inspection, and abolishing the commission 



