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dient to make a systematic and complete visitation of all cow-houses within the district, for the
purpose of ascertaining, from personal inspection, the general condition of the animals and of the
places where they are kept. In my visits, I was accompanied by your Inspectors of Nuisances,
and a tabular statement has been drawn up by Mr. Coward of the results of the investigation.
From that statement it appears, that there are 33 premises within the district in which cows are
kept, that the total number of cows then amounted to 412, that in one instance, the space for
each cow was only 180 cubic feet. I may here mention, that for the preservation of health,
it is estimated that a human being requires a space of at least 300 cubic feet, and that
space to be so ventilated as to allow every proper facility for the renewal of the atmospheric
air, and I may further state, that it is estimated that a cow will consume or vitiate as much
air as five adult human beings. The premises in the district where cows are kept, are for the
most part badly paved, many are badly drained and indifferently ventilated, and some are in a
disgracefully dirty condition. I have also observed in some, not only the absence of cleanly
arrangements with regard to the animals, but the grains and other food are placed in close
proximity to the manure pit which is situated under the same shed, so that the animals inhale
the gas given off from an accumulation of their own excrement. Many of the cows had also a
dirty appearance. This is not natural to the animals, for when at large in the open field, few
animals have a more cleanly appearance than cows; but their dirty condition when in confinement,
arises from neglect on the part of the owner in not removing the dung and filth from the stall,
so that when the animal lies down, its legs and body became clotted with dirt. This is not
only abominable but it is positively disgraceful to the cow-keeper, for it can be easily prevented by
proper attention to cleanliness; moreover it is injurious to the health of the animal, for under these
circumstances, the skin cannot properly perform itsfunctions. It also appears that the manure
is, in many instances, not removed until the lapse of considerable intervals, varying from one
day to seven days, and if I could judge from appearances, even for a much longer period. The
prolonged retention of the manure even for two days in confined neighbourhoods is exceedingly
objectionable from the nuisance that is occasioned by the stirring up the putrid filth, and
tainting the atmosphere to a considerable distance.
By the proposed amendments in the Metropolis Local Management Act, it is contemplated
to provide that all cow-houses shall be licensed in the same manner as slaughterhouses
are now licensed, and it will then, of course, be the particular duty of your sanitary
officers to insist upon more ample provision being made for the proper keeping of cows, when
I shall feel called upon to suggest a proper code of rules applicable to the details of the business.
In the meantime, however, there is no reason why cleanliness and such other simple and
necessary regulations as common prudence and care demand should not be at once enforced, as
such regulations will operate not only to protect the general sanitary condition of the immediate
vicinity of the premises occupied, but will tend to the benefit and advantage of the proprietors
in their trade; for it must be obvious to all, that the health, cleanliness, and general good
condition of the animals must form an important element towards the success of their
business.
With these views I have submitted to the Board that certain suggestions should be