16 DECEMBER 1865, Page 3

The inerease in the cattle plague this week is most

serious, the number of attacks having leaped up from 3,828 in the week ending 2nd. inst. to 5,356 in that ending 9th inst.—.-an increase of 40 per cent. The farmers have already lost nearly a million sterling, and at this rate of seizure would lose 4,000,0001. ayear, a loss they could not sustain. The cry for " stroug " measures continues, and the plan of prohibiting the locomotion of cattle gains favour with the public. Already Government is pressed to suspend all fairs and markets, and to guarantee a national cattle insurance company—the latter a proposal not likely to be accepted.