692 
INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 
When smallpox appeared among the flocks in England in 
the autumn of 1847, it was introduced by certain foreign 
sheep sold in Smithfield Market. The disease spread rapidly, 
and committed frightful ravages in several counties in 1847- 
48-49-50. In some instances upwards of half the flocks were 
swept off. Since 1850,however,the malady had not been heard 
of among our flocks, until the month of June last, when it 
broke out at Ailington, near Devizes, in Wiltshire. The affec¬ 
tion had made considerable headway in the flock first attacked 
before its nature was ascertained. Neither the proprietor 
nor the shepherds were convinced as to the real character 
of the disease until my aid was sought late in July, by 
which time many animals had been lost. It is still uncertain 
in what manner the disease was introduced into Mr. Parry’s 
flock, but this point may be cleared up, at least in some 
degree, by subsequent investigation. What is important 
to be noted here is that the disease soon showed itself in 
other neighbouring flocks, and subsequently extended into 
an adjacent county—Berkshire. At the present moment 
there is good hope that—thanks to the measures of prevention 
adopted—the progress of the disease is stayed in the vicinity 
where it first showed itself; but it would be premature as 
yet to express any decided opinion on the probable further 
course of the outbreak. Its nature and the period of the 
year alike forbid a hasty conclusion in this matter. I trust 
that the course of the malady may be stayed, but we cannot 
conceal from ourselves the probability—a probability taught 
by bitter experience—that the disease may still spread more 
widely, and that our flocks may suffer ultimately from a 
visitation as calamitous as that which befell them in 1847-50. 
To enable you to form some estimate of the true character 
of a visitation of this kind, occurring at the present time, I 
would point out to you that the value of the sheep in this 
country amounts to many millions sterling ; that the loss by 
death from natural smallpox ranges from one fifth to one 
half, or even more, of an infected flock. The loss by death 
involves, however, but one portion of that which is suffered 
by the farmer, for we must also estimate the effects exercised 
upon the breeding and rearing of lambs, the fattening of 
sheep, and the destruction or damage of fleeces, to say 
nothing of the cost of care and attendance. But this is 
not all. Grave as is the probable loss to the individual, not 
less grave is the effect upon the community. Putting aside 
the unfavorable influence which a wide outbreak of so fatal 
an epizootic may exercise upon several branches of industry, 
we need simply mention the detriment arising from the 
