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Further, the question of removal of manure from the ship, and its frequent
detention in barges in dock for days and weeks in hot weather, often becomes
a very urgent matter as affecting the public health.
The docks mainly affected, the "Victoria and Royal Albert, being at present
in charge of Inspector Spadaccini, I instructed him to report fully on the
question.
His notes are appended hereto, and practically give all the details of the
case.
ATLANTIC CATTLE STEAMERS.
Cattle on transatlantic steamers are looked after by cattlemen, who are
under the orders of a foreman, or "boss."
In the early morning they commence their duties each day at sea by
watering the oxen. This is done once in 24 hours, when as much as it can
drink is given to each oxen. Ten gallons per head per day for 21 days'
passage is the allowance of water provided before the cattle are taken on board.
Six gallons is probably the average amount consumed by each animal,
although occasionally certain oxen will drink very much more.
The captain of a Baltimore steamer states that his attention was once
called by the boss cattleman to a bull in the after 'tween decks that used to
drink every morning 28 gallons. In bad weather there is a large amount of
waste.
After water, hay is supplied, and the two operations are completed in the
summer months before 8 a.m.
The stock of hay taken on board at time of embarkation is 10 lbs. per head
per day, provision being made for a passage of three weeks.
During the forenoon the cattlemen clean out the troughs, when there are
troughs, and see to the litter, halters, and general comfort of the beasts.
At noon a meal of corn is supplied, and of this 8 lbs. per head per day is
allowed.
"Distillery-fed" cattle are given a mash of meal instead of corn, and thus
raises the necessity for troughs.
The feeding for the day is finished at 5 p.m., when hay is again laid down.
The stalls, although uniform in size (the space for an ox being 8 feet by
2½ feet) vary considerably in arrangement, and there is great room for