690 Agricultural Administration in Austria-Hungo ry . 
Grants are given t.o associations for the purchase of appliances 
and implements for vine-culture. In 1889, 3,000Z. were, as 
stated above, voted for the purpose of combating the phylloxera. 
Vines which are supposed to resist the attacks of this plague 
are cultivated for future distribution. In 1889, 216,000 vines 
were so distributed from the Government nursery vineyards. 
From 1880 to 1889, 31,000Z. were expended in subsidies for 
reafforesting the Karst district. Help is also extended to other 
districts and societies, in order to encourage afforesting and the 
establishment of nurseries. 
There are 2,016 stallions kept by the Government for im- 
proving the breed of horses. Twenty-six of the best stallions 
and 354 brood mares stand at the Government stud at Kadautz, 
where there are in all 1,195 horses in the stables. To pro- 
prietors of approved stallions subsidies are given, in order that 
farmers may send their mares to such stallions at low rates — 
often not more than two florins (3s. 4d.). Interest in horse- 
breeding is further encouraged by giving race prizes and awards 
at Shows. The number of horses fit for military purposes has 
risen from 110,451 in 1879, to 319,385 in 1888. 
Cattle-breeding is also encouraged by the purchase of good 
bulls of breeds suitable for the various districts, and the dis- 
tribution of these over the districts according to a fixed plan, 
and also by the granting of prizes at shows. From 1880 to 
1889 the sum of 70,000£. was expended in the improvement 
of cattle-breeding, exclusive of the considerable sums paid as 
subsidies to cattle shows and general exhibitions. In some 
provinces it has even been made obligatory on the parishes to 
keep bulls. 
Legislative measures have been taken to stamp out cattle 
disease and prevent its importation. The compulsory insurance 
of cattle against certain infectious diseases has already been 
introduced in several provinces. The Ministry has taken in 
hand the publication of an elaborate work on the different breeds 
of Austrian cattle. This work is being written by the best 
authorities, and will soon be finished. Sheep, pigs, fish, poultry, 
and bees have all received a share of attention. 
Special attention has been paid to ameliorations, more espe- 
cially with regard to water-courses. Since 1884 the sum ot 
42,000/. yearly has been put at the disposal of the Ministry to 
subsidise works in this direction. The regulation of mountain 
streams has made considerable progress. 
Much work is thrown on the Ministry in the administration 
of forests and domains belonging to the State and religious 
corporations, as well as by the administration of the State mines. 
