In regard to agricultural policy 4 significant step has been taken by the Government of Bengal in the appointment of a cattle expert for, the Province where it is realized that the position has become serious. In a note issued jointly Mr. P. J. Kerr, Veterinary Advie2r to the Government of Bengal ar! Mr. K, MeClean, Assistant Director of Agriculture, it is pointed out thet the cattle of Bengal have the un-Jonviable reputation of being the worst in the world on account of] the neglect and indifference of the people. This is really a remarkable commentary on the psychology of people whose veneration for th2 sanctity of the cow degenerates into fanaticism of the worst description, In this connexion it is of cattle of its own and it is alleg-that the present cattle are the progeny of stock brought originally from the West. Degeneration beg. fina with the calf which is never allowed the proper amount of from its mother necessary for its growth into a fine healthy animal, the great bulk being ut it for the family consumpti up for sale. Starvation i another and probably the principal cause of the deterioration of the animals and this, of course reacts on the progeny of the half-starved boasts, Bod housing, diseases and maltreat ment are contributory causes whilst cattle owners suffer great loss fror: Infectious diseases. By the introduction of proper methods for the breeding and the after care of cattle there 1s no reason why Bengal, like any other country should not rear beasts of the best quality and it is to be hoped that this new appointment will be the beginning of far-reaching reforms.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.