40 SELECT COMMITTEE ON CONTAGIOUS DISEASES BILL. 
skins which are sent into this country from thence or from 
the Continent in general but what have undergone, more or 
less, preparation ; even from Russia, where we have most to 
apprehend, no raw hides are imported. The ski s from 
Russia are sent here in the form of leather, and many of 
them which might find their way to England by first being 
put into the port of Lubeck, are found to be so heavy from 
the quantity of salt and moisture they contain, that they are 
dried in Lubeck, and go from thence into Switzerland as 
dried hides. 1 do not think we need fear disease from the 
introduction of skins. 
207. With regard to animals in that country, are they 
subject to this disease for any length of time? — The disease 
is so fatal that it is not unfrequently allowed to run its 
course, that is to say, if the animals are not killed as soon as 
observed to be ill. They do not think of treating the animals. 
They die generally on the third day, and at the rate of from 
80 to 90 per cent., and even more than that. 1 only saw 
three that had recovered. 
208. The experience which the farmers gain from this 
disease would induce them to kill the animal the moment it 
was attacked? — The farmer is not allowed to deal with these 
animals. In the event of the disease breaking out on the 
premises, he is to report it immediately. He is subjected to 
a heavy penalty if he does not. The cattle, healthy and 
diseased, are then taken possession of by the government. 
The diseased are killed, and the healthy are kept for a certain 
time, and if any fresh cases occur they also are slaughtered, 
and a jury is empannelled, and compensation is given. If 
the farmer conceals the disease, the government takes 
possession in the same way, but makes no remuneration. 
209. Lord Naas.'] Are they paid out of local funds or 
government funds? — In some districts by the government; 
in JYIecklenburgh by some local funds. 
210. Sir John Shelley.'] Can you say that any of those that 
have been slaughtered have been eaten by human beings? — 
All the animals in most continental states are buried on their 
being killed, with their skins on, which skins are cut through 
from the head to the tail, so as to prevent the animal being 
disinterred and the skins taken away; but in Austria, the 
owner is allowed to receive the skin; for even then it is purified 
on the farm, and under the immediate superintendence of the 
commission that is appointed. 
( To he continued .) 
