450 
IMPORTATION OF CATTLE. 
disease had appeared, and what were the best means of staying 
the plague. He should move for a return of the number of sheep 
and the quantity of wool imported into the United Kingdom in the 
year 1847 ; and he begged to ask what precautionary measures 
had been taken by Her Majesty’s Government in respect to the 
contagious disease in sheep. 
The Marquis of Lansdowne did not feel bound to enter into 
any argument with his noble friend as to the merits of Sir Robert 
Peel’s tariff. He was a supporter of that measure, though not one 
of its authors. The prevalence of some apprehension if not of alarm 
on this subject might have the salutary effect of putting persons 
on their guard, more especially farmers, and of inducing them to 
adopt proper precautions. It was known that for many years this 
disease had subsisted in Holstein, without spreading itself farther. 
It had done so, however, subsequently, and of late years there was 
reason to apprehend it had been introduced into this country. In 
point of fact, he believed not more than one infected sheep had 
been known to have been introduced since the commencement of this 
year. Inoculation had been found to have the effect of mitigating 
the virulence of the disease. As the law at present stood, flocks 
could not be detained on entry into this country ; and an order in 
Council might be found necessary to authorise the adoption of pre- 
cautionary measures. 
Lord Brougham was glad to hear so favourable a statement 
as that of the noble Marquis. He hoped it was not too late. 
The returns were then ordered. Times , July 19, 1848. 
Importation of Cattle. 
It will be recollected that, in the autumn of last year, the atten- 
tion of the officers of the revenue was especially directed by the 
authorities to the state of the cattle and sheep which should be im- 
ported from abroad ; and also in the early portion of the year 1845, 
in consequence of a certain disease being on those two occasions 
prevalent among them on the continent. The officers of the Cus- 
toms’ department have again been made acquainted that informa- 
tion has recently been received that the disease, called “ variola 
ovis,” is now greatly extending in some parts of the country, 
especially in two of the eastern counties, and that apprehensions 
exist that it may be caused by the importation of infected sheep ; 
and they have, therefore, been directed to exercise the greatest 
vigilance in enforcing the precautions previously authorised to be 
adopted in this matter ; with a further notification that they are 
