5
31. The sheep-breeding experiment was continued daring the year. The total
number of sheep was 88 on the 31st March, 1915, against 125 reported in the previous
year.
There were 63 lambs born during the year. The mortality in the flock was 105
including 48 animals which were accidentally destroyed by fire. Much of the mortality
was due to a severe infection with strongylosis. The efforts made to combat the disease
seem to have checked it for the present.
FAIRS AND SHOWS.
32. Table XIV reports the number of cattle fairs and shows held in the Province
during the year. There was a considerable decrease in the number of cattle present
at the fairs in Goalpara district; the Deputy Commissioner reports that this is due to
the fact that the raiyats could not purchase sufficient cattle this year owing to the
fall in price of jute and also that cattle mortality in the district was less than in the
previous year.
33. The Agricultural Show at Shillong was attended by me. In this show the
general level of the live-stock was poor but there were several outstanding exhibits of
cattle—the progeny of animals bred at the Government Farm.
34. As usual, a cattle show was held by the North Sylhet Local Board in January,
1915. In this show the total number of exhibits was poorer than that of the previous
year. Rs. 593 and 6 cups were given away as prizes. A Veterinary stall was
also opened under the supervision of the Veterinary Inspector, Silchar. Simple lectures
and demonstrations were given, and Veterinary leaflets were distributed. This effort
seems to have been appreciated and there was a good demand for leaflets.
PART IV.—SUBORDINATE ESTABLISHMENT.
35. Table VII shows the strength of the subordinate establishment of the Depart-
ment employed during the year under report. At the commencement of the year the
total strength consisted of 3 Inspectors and 37 Assistants. Five new graduates joined
the Department during the year and 4 Assistants resigned. Thus at the close of the
year the total strength of the subordinate staff was 3 Inspectors and 33 Assistants.
The touring and inspection work of the 3 Inspectors was generally satisfactory, and
they made, on the average, 3 inspections of the work of each of the Assistants within
their respective circles, besides attending outbreaks, etc.
36. A brief summary of the work done by the Veterinary Inspectors and Stiff
and Reserve Veterinary Assistants is given below :—
(1) Babu Satya Charan Mukherjee continued to hold charge of the Dibrugarh
circle with the exception of three months when he was temporarily transferred to
Silchar during the absence of the permanent Inspector of that circle on privilege
leave.
He was on tour for 189 days, and travelled 3,964 miles by rail, 907 miles by road
and 1,550 miles by steamer and country boats. He visited 97 villages and tea
estates in connection with enquiries of outbreaks and investigation of cattle-disease.
He inspected the following Assistants :—Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sibsagar, Nazira,
Moriani, Jorhat, Golaghat and both Assistants of Tezpur three times each ; Mangaldai,
North Lakhimpur and Kohima twice each. The Reserve Assistant posted at Sadiya
under the Public Works Department was also inspected by him.
During his stay in the Silchar Circle he inspected the work of the Veterinary
Assistants at Silchar, Hailakandi, Habiganj, Sylhet, Srimangal, Maulvi Bazar,
Karimganj and Sunamganj.
He also attended the camp of the Assam Valley Light Horse at Sadiya and
made necessary arrangements for the prevention of contagious disease.
The breeding bulls belonging to the local bodies were inspected by him and also
the several pounds, Municipal bullocks and cattle markets.
(2) Babu Guru Prasanna Sen was in charge of the Silchar circle. He was
absent on three months' privilege leave during which time Babu 8atya Charan
Mukherjee of Dibrugarh was transferred to this circle.
He was on tour for 98 days and travelled 2,380 miles by rail, 240 miles by steamer
and 1,016 miles by road and 385 miles by country boats. He visited 61 villages
and tea gardens in connection with the work of the Assistants.