48
276. Although the numbers that were actually present fell to 179 when
compared with last year, still, 20 more competed for prizes.
277. Castration requires to be pushed if we wish to make horse breeding a
success. It has made a start; in 1892-93 none were castrated; in 1893-94,
34; in 1894-95, 21; and up to February 1896, 55. I hope to be able to note a
still greater improvement next year.
Dinanagar
Horse Fair.
278. This fair was held on the 26th and 27th March 1896. As stated last
year, it must rather be considered a local gathering than a district fair.
No prizes are awarded by the Imperial Government, but the district, on this
occasion, awarded the sum of Rs. 416, of which Rs. 337 were given to horse
stock, and Rs. 79 to cattle.
279. The district of Gurdaspur is one of the most backward in the Punjab
in the way of horse-breeding, and on this occasion the numbers which attended
the fair fell from 268 to 178, this is, however, attributed to the scarcity
of fodder.
280. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab,
who attended, reports:—
"It will be seen that although the total number of animals present was less than last year, still the
different classes filled much better. Also there were two more classes formed.
"The Thoroughbred English stallion ' Clarion ' produced the greatest number of prize-winners.
"No remounts were purchased."
Gujr at Horse
Show.
281. This show was held on the 16th and 17th March 1896, and fully main-
tained the high character which it bears; in fact, we must now recognise this
district as one of the first class districts for horse breeding in the Punjab.
282. I attended and was much impressed with the quality shown by the
mares and young stock. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
reports as follows:—
"Good as this show was last year, I think on the whole it was better on this occasion. The numbers
competing in each class were, with the exception of remounts of which fewer were purchased by Native Cavalry
and mules, considerably more numerous than last year. The number present being 960 as against 782 the
previous year. The improvement in the quality of the young stock was specially noticeable."
283. Two head of young stock were purchased by the Remount Agent,
who reports this Show a distinct improvement on last year.
284. Fourteen remounts were purchased for Native Cavalry; these are
reported on by the President, Special Judging Committee, in the following
terms:—
"The remounts for Native Cavalry purchased at this show I thought a clumsy looking lot and wanting
in quality. At the same time I must add that the other Members of the Committee liked these Remounts better
than I did."
285. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, concludes his
report in the following terms:—
"Forty-two nice mares were branded : all young and with one or two exceptions by Government sires;
some of them had two strains of thoroughbred blood. I look upon Gujrat as a very promising and improving
district for horse breeding."
286. The competition for the silver medal was severe and brought forth
7 competitors. It was awarded to the owners who owned:—
2 mares with foal at foot by Government sires,
2 mares in foal by Government sires,
1 mare
„ by donkey sire,
1 branded filly,
5 young fillies. All by Government sires,
15 young colts,
this was the second largest collection of young stock in any district that
competed for this medal. The second collection was considered so good that
it was awarded a prize of Rs. 25.
Hansi Horse
Show.
287. This show was held from 28th to 31st October 1895. The actual num-
ber present was 43 more than last year, whilst 68 less competed for the prizes
offered; this is attributed by the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,