182
These examinations cannot be looked upon as having produced such satis-
factory results as usual, for, although the percentage of passes is about the
same, still, the marks obtained by each student is lower, showing that the gene-
ral standard had fallen off.
The Board of Examiners remark on this subject as follows:—
"The chief cause of failure was found to be due to the manifest difficulty in applying practically the know-
ledge gained, a deficiency not uncommon, but which is attended with more or less serious results when the stu-
dent leaves College."
There, however, appears to have been a difference of opinion on this point
as the Board proceeds to state:—
"One of the Examiners, however, considered that the students generally have much more practical know-
ledge this year than last."
Veterinary-Captain Pease, who was nominated by the Government of India
to attend all Examination Boards, and who owing to his knowledge of the ver-
nacular is particularly well qualified to form a correct opinion of the students,
states:—
"The results of the Examination at this institution were not very satisfactory, and neither Mr. Turnbull nor
I consider that the men were as good as those who presented themselves last year. The lowness of the marks
will indicate that the standard this year was not up to the average. The men were practically wanting in
practical knowledge both in medicine and surgery, it seems to me that the classes are too large, for it must be an
exceedingly difficult matter to put every man out of a class of 52, through his facings. I suggest more careful
selection of men, and a reduction in numbers, so that there may be a better chance of turning out better trained
men who will be of use in the districts when left to their own devices."
At the entrance examination for admission to the College, in aptitude in
handling animals, 90 candidates presented themselves for 23 vacancies; this
will prove the great popularity which this institution has gained.
580. The following is a return showing the number of indoor and outdoor
patients treated during the year:—
Horses ... ...
Cattle and other animals ...
In-door.
1894-95.
505
119
In-door.
1895-96.
563
151
Out-door.
1894-95.
2,072
1,206
Out-door.
1895-96.
1,928
1,435
By which it will be seen that 2,491 horses were treated against 2,577 last
year, this shows a slight decrease, viz., 86, so small indeed that it may be con-
sidered as a yearly fluctuation to which any institution is liable.
The cattle treated show a marked increase, viz., 1,586 against 1,325 last
year, being an increase of 261. The death-rate has been excessively low, viz.,
11 horses and 44 cattle, amongst the deaths recorded amongst horses were 3
cases of glanders, and amongst the cattle and other animals, 22 cases of
rabies, all of which were destroyed.
The number of patients available for clinical instruction is most satisfac-
tory, and should be sufficient to ensure good practical Veterinary Assistants
being turned out. The low death-rate is attributed by the Principal, to the
Zeal and skill of the Professor, Veterinary-Lieutenant E. E. Martin.
581. The number of surgical operations performed was 711, or an increase
of over 40 over last year. On this point the Principal reports as follows:-
"This included 62 cases of castration, an increase of 39 over last year. Most of these were horses belonging
to Pathan horse dealers who pass through Lahore in December and January, and as they are free patients and
are operated on by the students under the supervision of the teaching staff, generally Veterinary-Lieutenant
Martin, they are a most important class to encourage, as every student is then enabled to perform this particular
operation once or oftener with his own hands."
582. The number of horses shod in the forge was 1,350, showing an increase
of 108 last year; the increase last year was entirely owing to the Durbar.
583. A class for nalbunds or shoeing-smiths has been established during the
year and the first course is completed. Referring to this most important