11

also to the growing popularity of the dispensaries. The increase
in the total number of castrations by 3,320 is satisfactory.

53. Of the total number of cases treated including castra-
tions, 66,129 were treated in the North Bihar Range, 98,096
in the Central Range and 40,639 in the Orissa Range as
compared with 53,990, 83,871 and 39,676 cases respectively in
the three ranges in 1929-30.

54. The touring staff could visit 62,364 villages as against
63,788 in 1929-30. The decrease of 1,424 in the number of
villages visited is due to more attention being paid by the staff
to castration work, especially in the North Bihar Range and to
the abolition of three posts of touring veterinary assistant
surgeons in the Orissa Range in the previous year.

55. Out of the total number, 23,956 villages were visited
in North Bihar, 28,566 in Central and 9,842 in the Orissa Range
as compared with 25,085, 27,406 and 11,297 respectively in the
year 1929-30.

The details of the work done in each district are shown in
Table IV.

                             HOSPITALS.

56.  Number of hospitals.—There was no change in the
number of veterinary hospitals, the total number being 33 as in
the previous year. The hospital at Balasore remained closed
as before.

57. Construction and repair.—Some improvements were
made at the veterinary hospital, Cuttack, during the year and
further innovations will be effected by the municipality when
funds are available. The proposal for the construction of a new
hospital building at Balasore is still under the consideration
of the district board. It is, however, gratifying that the district
board, Purnea, was able to undertake the construction of a new
veterinary hospital at Purnea and it is hoped that the work
will be finished during 1931-32. Much inconvenience is being
felt for a suitable hospital building at Laheriasarai and the
sooner the local authority can arrange for the funds, the better.

58. Number of patients treated.—Altogether 70,067 in and
out-patients were treated during the year at the hospitals as
compared with 63,286 treated in 1929-30. According to ranges,
the figures were 36,873 for North Bihar, 19,945 for Central and
13,249 for Orissa Range against 31,925, 17,496 and 13,865
respectively of the year 1929-30. The steady increase in the
number of patients treated at the hospitals shows that these
institutions are becoming more popular every year.