480 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
animals. Thus the present visitation is reported to have 
depended entirely on 180 oxen which were bought in Hun- 
garia by two gentlemen of Hamburg, who brought them 
into the territory, to graze on the islands and marsh-lands of 
the Elbe. Shortly after their arrival, pleuro-pneumonia 
showed itself among them ; and it is said that they affected 
some cows with which they were pastured, and in this way 
the malady was spread over the country. 
Our readers will see that, under the operation of laws 
such as these, the people must sustain the loss of an im- 
mense amount of food, and the national exchequer suffer in 
its resources. After all, as pleuro-pneumonia is an epizootic 
disease, it is very doubtful whether the attacks are much 
diminished in number, or whether the successive outbreaks 
have in reality depended upon fresh importations of affected 
cattle. But, be this as it may, it is not the special object we 
have in view in these remarks, and we are also far from 
being found to justify the course which has been adopted. 
Now, let us contrast with this state of things on the Con- 
tinent the proceedings of our legislature. Eczema shows 
itself in the country, and no notice is taken of it. Pleuro- 
pneumonia soon follows, and the same apathy is manifested. 
Variola ovina quickly succeeds, and then the legislature is 
roused, and an Act is passed to limit the extension of the 
disease, and also another to provide for the inspection of 
foreign animals on their arrival here, and before they are 
brought in contact w r ith our native breeds. These measures 
are found of great benefit. Cases of variola diminish in 
number, and in a year or two the disease subsides entirely, 
although, it is true, not solely on account of legislative 
enactments. 
A new and a far more fatal disease then threatens our 
shores, to add to those already existing. The public mind 
becomes excited, and Parliament once more sees the neces- 
sity of further legislature. A Bill is prepared and brought 
into the House, to “ amend the Acts to prevent the spread- 
ing of contagious or infectious disorders amongst sheep, 
cattle, and other animals,” and which, recognising the great 
