242 SECTIONAL ADDRESSES. 



are intimately bound up with the problems of disease and nutrition. In 

 South Africa, as in other countries, there is a constant cry for the replace- 

 ment of the scrub bull by pedigree sires. This demand would be met to a 

 far greater extent, were it not for the fact that in many parts of the country 

 pedigree bulls cannot live because of disease or nutritional difficulties. In 

 some of the best ranching areas diseases like Heartwater, Piroplasmosis 

 and Anaplasmosis render the introduction of susceptible animals quite 

 impracticable, unless adequate measures for their protection be adopted. 

 And, similarly, the deficient state of the pastures in other areas nullifies 

 all efforts at the improvement of stock, unless the diet be supplemented. 



It is pleasing to be able to record progress along both of these lines. 

 In South Africa control over the diseases mentioned above is gradually 

 improving and, in regard to the deficient areas, recent investigations by 

 Du Toit and Bisschop have shown that the grading up of native stock can 

 be carried out with complete success provided the deficient mineral is 

 supplied. Both beef cattle and dairy cattle have been bred on the 

 extremely deficient veld of Bechuanaland without any signs of deteriora- 

 tion, and the cost of the supplementary ration has been negligible in 

 comparison with the material advantage derived from such feeding. 



Gratifying though the success which has been achieved may be, the 

 need for further research on live stock problems has never been greater 

 than it is to-day. The development of enormous areas in the British 

 Dominions and Colonies is entirely dependent on the progress of research. 

 With the aid of further scientific measures, these new countries could 

 absorb a very much larger population than they now harbour. , The 

 danger of over-population will not make itself felt for generations, nor need 

 the danger of over-production be contemplated seriously. The shortage 

 which has been predicted in the British beef market will have to be met 

 by the Dominions and Colonies. The same applies to the mutton market. 

 And in regard to wool it seems certain that the existing depression is 

 temporary and that, as soon as the present fashions alter, regrettable 

 though such a change may be from other points of view, the wool trade will 

 be restored to its previous healthy state. 



The prosperity of a very large percentage of the population, both 

 European and Native, in the Dominions and Colonies depends on the live 

 stock industry (breeding of pedigree stock ; beef, mutton or pork pro- 

 duction ; dairy farming, wool or mohair production ; skin and hide trade ; 

 poultry farming, &c.). These farmers look to the Veterinary Service of 

 their countries more and more for assistance and protection. Without 

 this assistance profitable stock farming, especially in the tropical and 

 sub-tropical countries, is impossible. The assistance, if it is to be effective, 

 must be based on the latest achievements of scientific research. Rule-of- 

 thumb methods will not suffice. There are fundamental problems which 

 can only be studied at specially equipped institutes ; and this is now being 

 done. But, in addition, each country has its own particular problems 

 which it must solve for itself at its own research institutions. • Wise 

 governments will support these institutions liberally. Money thus spent 

 will repay itself a hundredfold. 



In a humble way South Africa has proved the wisdom of maintaining 

 an adequate veterinary research service. At Onderstepoort the Govern- 



