CONDITION OF COWSHEDS 517 



" 4. \ depot for the manure at a sufficient distance from the 

 byres. 



" 5. A minimum cubic contents as regards such byres of from 

 600 to 800 cubic feet for each adult beast, varying accord- 

 ing to the average weight of the animals. 



" 6. A minimum floor space of 50 feet to each adult beast. 



" 7. Sufficient light and ventilation. 



" While we have prescribed a minimum cubic contents and floor 

 space, without mentioning definite dimensions affecting ventilation 

 and lighting, we are distinctly of opinion that these are by far the 

 most important, and that requirements as to cubic and floor space 

 are mainly of value as tending to facilitate adequate movement 

 of air. Existing cowsheds should be obliged to conform to the 

 prescribed regulations within a period of twelve months from the 

 time of the regulations coming into force. 



" 13. The same conditions as those recommended for populous 

 places should apply to cowsheds in sparsely-populated places, 

 except in so far as cubic contents per cow are concerned ; as regards 

 these cubic contents such space per cow should be provided as 

 would, in view of the surrounding circumstances, secure reason- 

 able ventilation without draught. But, the physical circumstances 

 prevailing in different localities being so various, we do not find it 

 practicable to prescribe uniform minimum requirements in this 

 respect." 



The regulations under the Milk-shops, Dairies, and Cowsheds 

 Order prescribe and regulate the lighting, ventilation, cleansing, 

 drainage, and water supply of cowsheds {see Appendix). But the 

 difficulty is that the regulations (under Section 13) are adoptive, 

 and not in force until adopted by each Local Authority, Accord- 

 ingly their benefit and the control which they would exercise is 

 limited by local opinion or prejudice. 



This is not the place to enter into detail respecting the struc- 

 ture, arrangements, and management of cow byres.^ We desire 

 simply to draw attention to two points ; in the first place, to the 

 evil conditions at present obtaining due in large measure to the 

 supineness of many Local Authorities having charge of these 

 matters ; and, in the second place, we desire to draw public atten- 

 tion to the absolute and imperative necessity of reform in this 



' Some practical suggestions will be found below. We may also refer to 

 Jour, of State Medicine, 1897, p. 537 ; Public Health, 1899-1900, pp. 529 and 

 775-792 (Speir) ; 1902-03, pp. 441 and 457. 



