BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES. 37 



Veterinary equipment as laid down in Mobilisation Store 

 Tables. In course of time this was found to exceed require- 

 ments and it was cut down. Moreover, Veterinary Wallets 

 and Officers' Chests were made a personal charge instead of a 

 tmit charge. The saving was very considerable. The policy 

 now followed is a minimum of equipment with field units 

 including Veterinary units, and the institution of Advanced 

 Depots convenient for replenishment of field equipment and 

 necessaries as required. When animals are freely evacuated 

 and there is little regimental treatment, there is no necessity 

 for a large amount of Veterinary equipment and stores with 

 field units. 



In India, the old idea of regimental treatment still exists to a 

 considerable extent. The provision of veterinary ^equipment is 

 enormous, and entails a large amount of transport to carry it. 

 The scale has, however, recently been reduced and the home 

 system which has stood the test of a large war will be 

 introduced. A very large saving will be effected thereby. 



Chapter VIII. 

 BACTEEIOLOGICAL LABOEATOEIES. 



In all theatres of war the necessity for Veterinary Bacterio- 

 logical Laboratories was soon apparent, and in course of time 

 these were duly established. Their function relates to 

 microscopical diagnosis, research, and the manufacture, if 

 necessary, ot sera and vaccines for treatment. 



This item of veterinary organisation in the field is yet in its 

 infancy, and with the gradual advancement of Veterinary 

 Science will be susceptible of great and better development. 

 Matters of chemical as well as bacteriological investigation 

 present themselves to Veterinary Service in the field, and 

 without self-contained means, the assistance of the Medical 

 Branch has to be solicited. Notable instances of this in France 

 were the poisoning of animals through sewage contamination of 

 village ponds, and poisoning by adulterated oil cakes used for 

 food. 



