362 WEST OF SCOTLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
sion so much depended on them, but assist them in what 
might be deemed an oppressive measure. Penalties were 
easily put down on paper, but one of £20 was not so easily 
paid, especially when in some instances the inspector might 
err. Then there is not only the fine, but the owner would 
obtain a public name which was not easily borne, and all for 
nothing, bearing out what Mr, Anderson has said regarding 
the difficulty of arriving at sound conclusions as to infectious 
diseases. 
Much had lately been said about the increase or decrease 
of pleuro-pueumonia in this country; and as Mr. McCall, of 
this city, had published a letter last week stating that it was 
on the increase in the west of Scotland, he should like to 
hear the opinion of the members present on this point. As 
to the district around Renfrew, he could only say that not a 
case of it was known there at present. Some attempt has been 
made to induce belief as to its increase in the London dairies, 
but Professor Simonds’ letter, published in this month's 
Veterinarian , entirely puts it beyond a doubt that such is not 
so. 
Professor Dick, of Edinburgh, has also mentioned that it is 
on the decrease in the east of Scotland, so that from such 
authority, and our own experience, we can arrive at a pretty 
fair idea of its present condition. 
Mr. Dobie could bear out the opinion that, compared with 
former years, in the Irvine district it was not known at present, 
so that he could not understand how Mr. McCall was able 
to maintain his point. As to the points of the Bill discussed, 
he was inclined to view them as hurtful measures to cattle- 
dealers, and would prove ruinous to parties who had a stock 
of cattle where disease existed, as we often find that parts of 
the stock might be to all appearance sound, and the owner, 
anxious to part with it to prevent further loss, sends it off to the 
market. Would it not, then, be ruinous if such were not per¬ 
mitted to be sold ? Then, if we take into consideration the diffi¬ 
culty of minutely inspecting animals in the markets, you must 
say with me that it would be impossible. Therefore, granting 
that one or two were affected, if infectious, as some so 
strongly hold, the presence of such animals was sufficient to 
contaminate a whole market. No doubt the inspector might 
do a great amount of good amongst bad cases, and deter many 
from sending such to the public markets; yet when all diffi¬ 
culties are considered, such punishment should not be put 
upon those who were so situated as to be unable in a great 
measure to control circumstances. 
Messrs. Ferguson, Blackie, Mitchell, Robb, Walker, and 
