22
94. The number of mares branded in the North-Western Provinces was 391
against 725 last year. The decrease is due to the fact that the Superintendent
toured so thoroughly through these Provinces last year that he branded every
mare that was to be branded. Of those branded, 100 were known to be by
Government sires and undoubtedly many others were also.
95. In the North Punjab, 913 were branded against 602 last year; a most
satisfactory increase, especially when we take into consideration the following
extract from the Superintendent's report:—
"A better standard observed when selecting mares for branding; a large percentage were quite young and
by Government sires."
96. In South Punjab, 1,015 mares were branded against 879 last year. As
the Superintendent in this circle was new to the work, I carefully watched the
class of mare which he selected at the various Shows which I attended, and was
pleased to find that his standard was a high one.
97. In Baluchistan, 806 were branded against 503 last year.
98. The above figures speak for themselves and testify to the good hard
work done by the various Superintendents. The branded mares alluded to are
for horse breeding only, as no mares are branded in the abovenamed Provinces
for pony or mule breeding.
Popularity of
the brand.
99. In Bombay, 621 were branded for horse breeding, but it is most disap-
pointing to find that in the Deccan, where 22 horse stallions are employed,
only 49 mares were branded during the year under report; horse breeding can-
not possibly progress at this rate.
100. I would not have alluded to this subject as I feel so convinced that the
zemindars in those districts, where horse breeding has been carried on for some
time, know full well the advantages they obtain in having their mares branded,
but as the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Punjab, in a letter ad-
vocating the removal of the restriction on the sale of branded mares to Remount
Officers remarks that the best mares are not brought up to the Superintendent
to be branded, I feel compelled to refute this statement. I have, during the
past year, attended 19 Horse Shows and have most carefully watched the mares
that are brought to be branded, and have found that the best fillies by Gov-
ernment sires are presented; in fact, it would be difficult to describe the
anxiety shown by the zemindars to obtain the brand, or their disappointment
if it is refused. On this point, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, North-Western Provinces and Oudh, states:—
"The zemindars of these Provinces are well acquainted with the uses of the V. I. Brand, and the great
majority of them have no objection to its being applied, but there are a few districts where it is not popular,
such as Etah and Agra.
"Only in one place has an Imperial stallion been allowed to cover unbranded mares, viz., at Hardoi in
Oudh. We sent him there at the commencement of the year and, as suggested by the Deputy Commissioner
allowed him to cover unbranded mares over 14-2 high, for a year or two, to give the zemindars confidence as
they were afraid Government would lay claim to the foals. The stallion has done very well this year, having
covered 54 mares. I visited Hardoi during my tour and was glad to see that the majority of the mares were
very good and quite fit to brand.
"A case illustrating the importance that zemindars attach to having their fillies branded young, was brought
to my notice at Bullandshahr.
"A zemindar brought me a sis months' old filly to be branded and I told him to take her away and bring
her next year as I did not care to brand her so young. He said 'no,' if I didn't brand her now he would sell
her and buy another, as there was no use in keeping her if she was not fit for the brand.
"One case of a forged V. I. brand came to my notice. A mare was taken to the Khurja stand to be served;
the darindah noticed the brand was unlike the usual one, and reported the matter to the zilladar.
He sent the mare for my inspection to the depôt, and I found her to he very old and unsound; the V. I. had
evidently been put on with a piece of sharp iron. I branded her 'R' and reported the owner to the Col-
lector for punishment."
Granting of cer-
tificates by dis-
trict Officers to
allow unbranded
mares being cov-
ered.
101. In connection with the question of the sale of branded mares to Native
Cavalry Regiments the Punjab Government, also addressed the Government of
India on the subject of the question of granting certificates by District Offi-
cers to owners of unbranded mares to allow of their being covered, until the
Superintendent is able to inspect and brand them. In connection with this
system, the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Punjab, states as
follows:—
"As regards the report of the Superintendent, South Punjab. In paragraph 27 and in the following
paragraphs, Mr. Cranford makes some very strong observations on the subject of the grant of certificates for