iv PREFACE 
tracted an infectious disease through the negligence of 
another. While it is not intended that the veterinarian 
shall take the place of a lawyer, still, a knowledge of 
the principles, as contained in Part IV, will often enable 
him to serve his patrons better, and save them needless 
trouble and expense. The remainder of the book will 
be found useful for occasional reference. 
Official veterinarians, whether they be connected with 
the Bureau of Animal Industry in the Department of 
Agriculture, or in state and local offices, should have a 
clear idea as to the limitations of their authority, and 
the nature of their responsibilities. In addition to the 
outline of their legal status, Part III gives a condensed 
statement of the present regulations of the B. of A. L., 
in the handling of stock, and the conduct of the meat 
industry. It is suggested that the inspector mark the 
margins of his book, opposite appropriate sections, with 
the numbers of official orders applicable where fuller de- 
tails are needed. For example: The special disinfectant 
applicable in a given case may be changed at any time 
by scientific advancement, and this text therefore simply 
speaks of ‘‘disinfectants.’’ The inspector may increase 
the usefulness of his book by the appropriate notation. 
General sanitarians may find this manual useful for 
occasional reference, though for them it is not intended 
that it will take the place of a more ample discussion 
found elsewhere. However, some sanitary inspectors 
may find herein as much as they need, and may there- 
fore prefer it to the more expensive work. 
The number and variety of actions at law in which 
stockmen are involved seems astounding; yet the prin- 
ciples governing are not numerous, and there is a 
general uniformity in the decisions handed down from 
the courts of appeal. Stockmen have gained a reputa- 
tion for lawlessness, probably more because of ignorance 
of the simple principles of law, than because of inherent 
wickedness. Every stockman owes it to himself to be- 
