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argument is found in the bad condition of so many
cow-sheds in the country generally. Animals are
subject to the ill effects of insanitation to much
the same extent as human beings, and if kept in illventilated,
badly lighted, and dirty stalls, they
will fall victims to disease. The matter partakes
of the nature of a "vicious circle." If the butcher
would "test" his proposed purchases, the loss
would fall (usually) on the dairy farmer; if he
would provide his animals with healthy stalls, or
byres, and submit his herd to the "test," then
compensation might be considered. Such compensation
would be required for a few years only, for
there does not seem to be any reason why tuberculosis
should not be stamped out as successfully as
"foot and mouth" and other diseases which have
been dealt with energetically.
The evidence furnished to the Royal Commission
is indirectly very strongly in favour of the abolition
of private slaughter-houses and the provision of
abattoirs, where inspection can be properly carried
out whilst the carcase is being dressed.
LOCAL DISEASES.
The effect of sanitary reform on the diseases
already dealt with is, with few exceptions, readily
apparent; but with the diseases left for consideration,
any influence exerted is indirect, and efficient
by its action on the individual rather than on the