374 BOAED OF AGRICULTUEE. [Pub. Doc. 



ili=ipGctors were directed to make regular monthly returns, show- 

 ino- the number of animals that had been examined at the time 

 of slaughter, the number which had been found to be free from 

 any contagious disease, the number condemned and the causes 

 of the condemnations. All the information which the com- 

 mission now have as to which towns have complied with this 

 section of the law is based upon the returns made by the inspec- 

 tors in conformity with this order. Up to December 15 the 

 inspectors in 164 of the towns and cities had made returns, 

 showing that 39,072 had been examined, 236 of which were 

 condemned as being affected Avith tuberculosis. 



In all cases where tuberculosis was found present, so far as 

 the commission is informed, the carcasses have been destroyed 

 or disposed of otherwise than for food, as the law requires. As 

 this portion of the law is entirely new, the commission has not 

 felt that it was wise to vigorously push prosecution for breaches 

 of its provisions, although in some cases, where offences have 

 been flagrant, prosecutions have been successfully maintained. 



This whole division of the work, coming from the local inspec- 

 tors, entails upon the commission an amount of labor which has 

 been as great, if not greater, up to the ])resent time, than that 

 in any other branch of their duties. The returns have to be 

 examined and tabulated ; suspicious animals visited, examined 

 and disposed of under the hiw, as each occasion demands ; 

 numerous interviews must be held with inspectors and town 

 officers, coming from all parts of the State ; innumerable letters 

 are received connected with the special work, to many of which 

 careful answers must be given covering particular and peculiar 

 cases ; and in many other ways the efforts of this large corps of 

 inspectors must be directed. 



Before leaving the matter of the inspectors, it should be said 

 that they are also given the power to inspect meats, fish, vege- 

 tables, fruits or provisions of all kinds throughout the limits of 

 their city or town, and also of veal found, offered or exposed 

 for sale within such limits. This work of the inspectors is con- 

 ducted entirely in connection with their local boards of health ; 

 and, while it may form a more or less considera])le portion of 

 their work, it is not brought under the supervision of this com- 

 mission, and consequently they can not make any statements 

 as to the nature and extent of this work. 



