110
work that the Council of Regency decided to purchase another Arab Galloway
for the purpose of covering the smaller mares, as is done by District Board
stallions in other parts of India.
Mule breeding. Religious prejudice is still a little strong against this
industry, and although two donkeys were sent to Jhind and Chakri Dadri, but
few mares have been covered by them. A start has, however, been made at
Head Quarters, viz„ at Sangrur, and already 17 mares had been covered by the
donkey stationed there, at the date of my visit, viz., in January 1896. I have
no doubt that this industry will extend.
489. The question of starting a show for this State was discussed with the
Council of Regency who were much in its favor, but the difficulty lies in find-
ing a suitable site; one which would attract purchasing officers. Most of the
best mares are to be found in the Jhind Tehsil which is situated 25 miles from
Hansi on a "kutcha" road. Chakri Dadri is 55 miles from Jhind, and,
although on the line of rail, is not likely to prove a success as it possesses but
few mares. It was proposed by the Council of Regency to allow mares from
this State to compete at the Hansi show, the Council subscribing to the
amount awarded in prizes. This question will be submitted to the Local Gov-
ernment for favor of opinion.
Faridkot.
490. This State has entered into the question of horse breeding in a spirit
which is likely to ensure success.
A Chestnut Arab was bought by the State last year, and although he
arrived after the covering season may be said to have ended, still he had cover-
ed 24 mares when I visited the State in January last.
A donkey sent at the same time had covered 15.
All good mares are brought in to Head Quarters and, if approved of
are branded by the State " F. S." on the near shoulder; this enables them
to get the services of the State Arabs. As a large number are already brand-
ed, it was decided by the State that another Arab should be purchased.
In order to encourage horse breeding, the Chief of the State held a
small show at the time of the Dusseerah, when about 200 mares competed for
the Rs. 550 given as prizes; this is to be continued and the Rajah of Faridkot
has every hope of making it a success.
At the time of my visit, a Run was being made; in this Run will be
placed all young stock which is considered fit to be purchased.
An extra Veterinary Assistant has been appointed with a view of carrying
on castration.
The horse and donkey maitained covered, respectively, 50 and 23 mares;
this must be looked upon as satisfactory, considering that this is the first year
during which they have been employed. The number of mares that are re-
ported to have held, of those that have been covered, is also satisfactory.
491. This concludes the review of work done in the Native States in the
Punjab. The following is a resume showing the number of mares covered by
selected horse and donkey stallions during the year, and I think the results
must be considered most satisfactory :—
Bahawalpore
Kapurthala
Patiala
Nabha
Jhind
Faridkot
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
By horse
stallions.
186
215
...
...
...
50
By donkey
stallions.
78
236
...
...
...
23
REMARKS.