NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
31
average number of mares covered by each stallion daring his absence from the
depôt, was as follows:—
North-Western Provinces ... ... ... ...
South Punjab ... ... ... ... ...
North Punjab ... ... ... ... ...
11.75
17.33
30.12
It will therefore be seen that those that had returned from the North-
Western Provinces had done much less than the Punjab horses.
152. The horses belonging to the North-Western Provinces, in addition to
loss of condition, looked unhealthy in their coats and showed a general want of
care. The reverse was the case of those that had returned from the Punjab,
although the latter had only just been subjected to long railway journeys and
had been in the depôt a month less.
153. I addressed the North-Western Provinces Government on this import-
ant subject, pointing out that the Darindah system was one that required con-
stant supervision, and pointed out that it was especially in this direction that the
co-operation of the District Officers was earnestly solicited by this Department,
in order to prevent this neglect of the Government stallions.
154. On receipt of this, the Lieutenant-Governor caused another Circular to
be issued, stating that he trusted that the instructions issued on 10th July
1895 would prevent such complaints in future.
Castration.
155. The number of colts castrated (Table XIII, page xlvii), during the
two past years, has been as follows:—
North-Western Provinces and Oudh ... ...
North Punjab ... ... ... ...
South Punjab ... ... ... ...
Derajat ... ... ... ...
Baluchistan ... ... ... ...
Total ...
Bombay ... ... ... ...
1894-95.
634
506
212
254
54
1,660
171
1895-96.
513
528
572
...
75
1,688
151
156. The improvement noticeable last year in the Provinces comprised in
Bengal, was fully maintained during the year under review; still, the Super-
intendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North Punjab, is dissatisfied with the
results in his circle; he remarks that although there was an increase of 22
colts castrated, there should have been many more, and he attributes this,
although he states that it is naturally very difficult to prove, to the fact that
black mail is levied by the salutris. I fear that there is much truth in this
statement.
157. Although the number of colts castrated by District Board Salutris pro-
perly belongs to the Provincial portion of this report, yet for facility of refer-
ence, I would here point out the great strides made in this direction.—(vide
Table L, page xcviii).
Colts castrated by Veterinary Assistants paid from Local Funds.
North-Western Provinces and Oudh ... ...
North Punjab ... ... ... ...
South Punjab ... ... ... ...
Baluchistan ... ... ... ...
Total...
1894-95.
115
422
404
142
1,083
1895-96.
201
801
643
69
1,714
32
158. This is very satisfactory, giving as it does, an increase of 639 colts
castrated by both Imperial and District Salutris.
159. The fact that of 3,553 colts castrated by Imperial and Provincial Vete-
rinary Assistants, only five died, giving, as it does, a death rate of only 0.14 per
cent., must be considered very satisfactory.
160. I am glad to find that castration has made a start in the Madras Pre-
sidency. In Salem, 134 ponies were castrated against 116 last year, whilst in
Coimbatore 98 were operated on against none last year. I trust to see this
still further extended, as without it, the pony-breeding operations, in which
the Madras Government takes a great interest, cannot possibly succeed.
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
II.—MULE BREEDING.
35
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
II.—MULE BREEDING.
Cost of feed
and keep of, Gov-
ernment donkey
stallions.
161. The average cost per donkey stallion for the past two years has been as
follows; that for the present year is shown in Table XIV, page xlix.
North-Western Provinces and Oudh ...
North Punjab ... ... ...
South Punjab ... ... ...
Baluchistan ... ... ...
Deccan ... ... ...
Guzerat ... ... ...
Sindh and Cutch ... ...
1894-95.
Rs.
142
133
126
359
382
266
261
A.
5
8
4
5
14
10
12
P.
0
9
3
11
2
11
7
1895-96
Rs.
122
147
158
285
419
278
269
A.
15
8
4
4
0
0
0
P.
0
3
5
3
0
0
0
162. The decrease in the North-Western Provinces is most satisfactory.
The increase in the Punjab is due to the increase in the price of grain, and to
the fact that the Derajat, in which feed and keep is always high, was added to
this Province, and is not shown separately this year. The cost of feed and
keep in the Deccan is very high.
163. The cost of feed and keep of donkey stallions at the Depôts for the past
three years, has been as follows:—
North Western Provinces Depôt ...
Punjab Depôt ... ...
1893-94.
Rs.
174
174
A.
15
13
P.
0
11
1894-95.
Rs.
115
126
A.
3
3
P.
9
4
1895-96.
Rs.
113
91
A.
5
3
P.
5
11
The reduction of cost in the two Depots is most marked.
Number of pony
and
donkey
mares served by
Government
donkey stallions.
164. The number of pony and donkey mares covered by Government donkey
stallions, as noted in Table IX, (page xxix), is as follows. The number covered
during the previous year is also given to enable comparisons to be drawn:—
North-Western Provinces ...
North Punjab ...
South Punjab ...
Derajat ...
Deccan ...
Guzerat ...
Sindh and Cutch ...
Baluchistan ...
Total ...
Pony mares.
1894-95.
3,550
7,282
3,885
953
59
17
687
22
16,455
1895-96.
3,776
8,471
5,262
...
67
19
786
94
18,475
Donkey mares.
1894-95.
56
667
84
...
...
...
...
...
807
1895-96.
66
746
154
...
...
...
...
...
966
165. The increase in the number of pony mares covered, amounting as it
does to 2,020, must be looked upon as very satisfactory. The increase is entirely
due to the Punjab, in which Province 1,613 more mares were covered this
year than last. The improvement in Baluchistan, although on a small scale,
is encouraging ; mule-breeding being a new industry in this part of India.
166. The increase in the number of donkey mares covered, amounting to
159, is also satisfactory.
Number of
mule stock
foaled.
167. The average of mule stock per stallion employed is shown in Table IX,
(page xxix). The following statement will show the working of last year com-
pared with that under review. A column has also been added showing the
36
percentage of known results, as having held, to the number of mares
covered:-
North-Western Provinces ...
North Punjab ... ...
South Punjab ... ...
Deccan ... ...
Guzerat ... ...
Sindh and Cutch ... ...
Mule produce.
Number foaled per stal-
lion employed.
1894-95.
13.87
16.60
15.36
6.80
8.57
5.22
1895-96.
18.16
17.41
12.32
1.57
6.00
4.94
Percentage
of produce
to mares
covered.
36.33
21.51
17.76
10.16
35.29
12.95
168. The working in the North-Western Provinces shows an improvement;
the Punjab is very much as it was last year; but Bombay shows a great fall-
ing off.
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
III.—HORSE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
40
This is to be regretted. This was the only show at which there was no
competition.
179. This must be looked upon as a purely dealers' Fair, and owing to this
fact it was determined last year not to offer any prizes for competition, from
Imperial Funds.
180. The number of animals attending the Fair was 10,912 against 10,040
last year, showing an increase of 872.
181. The District Funds having allotted the sum of Rs. 300 to be dis-
tributed in prizes, the amount was awarded as follows:—
To Native Cavalry and Police Remounts.
Class I —Over 4 years old ... ... ...
„ II.—Under 4 years old ... ... ...
„ III.—Geldings, 2 years and under ... ...
„ IV.—Remounts the produce of Government sires ...
Rs.
150
150
25
25
182. It is satisfactory to find that the 1st prize in the three first classes was
won by produce of Government sires.
183. The number of remounts purchased was greater than last year. The
numbers stand as follows:—
For British Cavalry ... ... ...
„ Native Cavalry ... ... ...
„ Imperial Service Cavalry ... ...
„ Hyderabad Contingent ... ...
„ Police ... ... ... ...
1894-95.
10
95
20
27
...
152
1895-96.
10
103
23
35
33
204
184. An epitome of the remarks made by the various purchasing officers is
instructive.
185. Captain Weller, 14th Bengal Lancers, considers that the class of horse
at Batesar is good, and notes particularly the great improvement which has
taken place in color. He notes much Arab and thoroughbred blood in the
stock, but complains of the want of produce certificates; this is readily account-
ed for when it is taken into consideration that Batesar is a dealers' fair.
Dealers, as a rule, do not trouble themselves to obtain certificates from the
breeders.
186. Captain Priestley, 4th Bengal Cavalry, considers that many of the
horses are over-topped and some narrow-chested.
187. Lieutenant Turner, 2nd Bengal Lancers, considers that the prices were
high. This officer purchased 8 at an average of Rs. 240; this surely cannot be
considered to be a high price.
188. Colonel Watts, 7th Bengal Cavalry, was disappointed at not obtaining
a greater number of horses and considered that the dealers asked very high prices.
This officer purchased 16 at an average of Rs. 249. Considering the great
number of purchasing officers who attended this Fair, I am of opinion that the
number bought and the prices paid for them are most satisfactory.
Bulandshahr
Horse Show.
189. This show was held from 18th to 22nd February 1896, on which latter
date the prizes were distributed; this means that the actual show only lasted 4
days, which is a distinct improvement on former years.
190. It may be remembered that when reviewing this horse show last year,
I expressed great disappointment; and I then stated that horse breeding in this
district would require much fostering: there was undoubted evidence last year
that Bulandshahr was rapidly losing its importance as a zemindar's show, and
was becoming a dealer's fair. This would have been a matter of the deepest
regret, as Bulandshahr had so long been known as one of the best breeding
67
the number and class of animals attending have been found worthy of more
prizes than the previous year's grant could afford. This increase was met by a
corresponding decrease at those Shows where the number of animals compet-
ing was less than those of the previous year. Under this head are also shown
the amounts sanctioned last year for Batesar, Etawah, Hurdwar, Pokhur, and
Sialkote Horse Shows and the Sonepore Fair; all of which were omitted from
this year's list for the reasons which have already been assigned. The increase
and decrease were as follows:—
Amritsar
Batesar
Bulandshahr
Delhi
Etawah
Gujrat
Garhmuktesar
Hardwar
Jhang
Kurnal
Kalimpong
Lahore
Multan
Muzaffarnagar
Pokhur
Quetta
Rawal Pindi
Shahpur
Sialkote
Sibi
Sonepore
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Total...
Increase.
Rs.
...
...
...
150
...
200
500
...
100
150
500
100
...
100
...
250
100
200
...
...
...
2,350
Decrease.
Rs.
100
150
150
...
200
...
...
300
...
...
...
...
500
...
100
...
...
...
350
100
400
2,350
433. The sum of Rs. 500 was allotted to Garhmuktesar as it was decided
to hold a Horse Show in connection with the annual Mule Fair; the result was
highly successful.
434. The sum of Rs. 500 was allotted to the Kalimpong Fair at the urgent
request of the authorities, but I then stated that as the allotment for prizes
was given with a view of fostering horse and mule breeding, and as this Fair
was held with a view of fostering the importation of mules from Thibet, the
grant could not be looked upon as a legitimate charge against the allotment,
which being already very small, owing to the growth of various Horse Fairs and
Shows, could not stand the charge in future.
435. Owing to the fact that shows were not held at Delhi and Kurnal, the
sums of Rs. 350, and Rs. 550, were unexpectedly made available for allotment
to other Shows; these sums, with the sanction of the Government of India, were
allotted to Bulandshahr and Sibi for the following reasons. Strenuous efforts
were made to collect as many mares and head of young stock at Bulandshahr
to enable Sir J. Watson to see the largest collection possible in the North-
Western Provinces and it was felt that one of the best ways to do this was to
increase the prize list. The horse Show at Sibi has grown so greatly of late
70
440. The following statement will show the number of remounts and
young stock purchased at fairs and shows during the past three years:—
1893-94.
1,327
1894-95.
1,613
1895-96.
1,879
The following statement will show the numbers bought for British
Cavalry, Native Cavalry, and Police, during the past 2 years:—
Army Remount Department ... ...
Native Cavalry ... ... ...
Police ... ... ... ...
1894-95.
326
1,114
173
1895-96.
425
1,307
147
The following abstract will show the Provinces from which remounts were
obtained:—
North-Western Provinces ... ... ...
Punjab ... ... ... ...
Rajputana ... ... ... ...
Bengal ... ... ... ...
Baluchistan ... ... ... ...
Bombay Presidency ... ... ... ...
1894-95.
227
752
8
25
335
266
1895-96.
519
927
13
22
205
193
It will be seen that the Punjab still coutinues to be the best centre from
which remounts are obtained.
441. 858 mules were purchased by Government, against 885 last year, but
2,449 were bought by others against 2,123 during 1894-95; and as many of
these find their way into Batteries and Transport Department, the increase
must be looked upon as satisfactory. Of a total of 3,307 mules bought at
fairs, the Punjab furnished 3,035 showing this Province to be our best male
breeding centre.
Stallions whose
produce
won.
prizes.
442. The abstract of Table XVI (page lviii), shows the number of prizes
awarded to stock, the produce of different classes of sires, by which it will be
seen that the following results were obtained in the four largest classes:—
Thoroughbred English ... ... ...
Thoroughbred Australian ...
... ...
Half and three-quarter breds and Hackneys ....
Arbas ... ... .... ...
Proportion of
1st prizes to
each sire.
1.29
0.83
0.66
0.52
Proportion of
total prizes
to each sire.
6.40
5.33
4.76
3.70
This proves, I think, that the thoroughbred stallion produce is the best.
I trust to see the Arab produce occupy a higher position than it does at present,
when good sires, as are now being obtained, have been at work for a few years.
Horse Runs.
443. In last year's Administration Report, I noted that no progress had
been made for many years in Horse Runs in this country. The sum of Rs. 350
was again distributed in prizes during 1895-96, but the prizes went to the men
who had taken them for years, and no improvement was reported either in size
or condition of their Runs. Under these circumstances, I am of opinion that
this sum can better be utilized in increasing the value of prizes for stock, and
I shall make the necessary recommendation to this effect for the consideration
of the Government of India.
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
IV.—INSTRUCTION FARM.
73
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
IV.—INSTRUCTION FARM.
Object of the
Instruction
Farm.
444. In last year's report it was mentioned that it had been decided to
reduce the cultivation in the North-Western Provinces Depôt, and that already
a reduction of 11 acres had taken place. With this reduction, there will still
remain 40 acres under cultivation and a further reduction was made during the
year. The object of the farms is therefore now:—
(a) To raise fodder crops for the supply of the requirements of the
stallion Depôts and to sell the same at market rates without a
loss.
(b) To endeavour to carry on the cultivation with farm mares and at
the same time to breed from them.
(c) To carry on experiments with new fodder crops which may ulti-
mately add to our supply.
The first object has undoubtedly been gained. We have been able to raise
fodder of much better quality than could possibly have been purchased and the
cost of feed and keep of the stallions, alluded to elsewhere, will show that this
has been done at such rates, that notwithstanding, the great increase in the
price of grain, a saving has actually accrued on last year; this, of course, is
not entirely dependent on the farm produce, but is greatly due to the following
reasons recorded by the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North-
Western Provinces and Oudh :—
"The working of the Depôt farm this year has been on totally different lines from what has hitherto been
carried out. Our cultivation has been reduced, no cooly labour was employed on the farm, the Depôt syces have
done most of the work. Our object has been to grow sufficient green crops and hay for the use of the stallions
and at the least possible expense, and this I think the farm has succeeded; the cost of the feed and keep of the
stallions is considerably reduced and our farm balance sheet shows a saving of Rs. 366-12-4."
The cultivated area in the North-Western Provinces Depôt it still treble
that of the area of the Punjab Depôt; it was hoped that this reduction would
be the means of enabling us to carry on the cultivation with the farm mares
and at the same time to breed from them, and in time I think this will be
effected, but the mares in the North-Western Provinces Depôt had become so
debilitated through over-work that they will require a long time to recover.
The following results of my inspection of the farms held last April, confirm
my above expressed opinion:—
Farm.
North-Western Provinces ...
Punjab ... ...
North-Western Provinces
...
Punjab
...
...
North-Western Provinces ...
Punjab ... ...
Number and class of mare.
9 horse breeding mares
7
Do.
do.
7 Pony mares ...
6
Do. ...
7 Donkey mares ...
7
Do. ...
Number in
foal.
2
3
2
3
4
5
Number with
foal at
foot.
1
3
1
1
1
1
Young stock.
1 Colt 1 year old.
3 Fillies,
1 Colt,
1 year old.
Nil.
2 Mules 10 months old.
2 Colts,
l Filly,
2 Fillies,
1 Colt,
1 year old.
10 months old.
2 Fillies, 2 years old.
19
76
Hay.
"2,200 maunds of hay were saved during the year under review, of this, 600 maunds were obtained by pur-
chase, another 600 maunds from the Opeihra encamping ground, and the rest from the paddocks comprised in
the Punjab Depôt.
"That part of No. 1 west paddock, mentioned in last year's report, was again cultivated this year, as the
coarse grasses and weeds had not been thoroughly eradicated.
"The sowing of the Opeihra encamping ground with 'Anjana' and other grass seeds was completed. And
the supply of hay got from there was fair in quantity but of good quality; this being the first time, a larger
amount could not be expected; I am, however, very sanguine of better results in future. Every endeavour is
being made to improve the grass and the land.
Manure.
"Three pits on Mr. Benson's principle have been erected with galvanized iron roofings and the thatches of
the old sheds were replaced by zinc ones. Two urine carts were also provided. The increased outturn of crops
manured from these pits is certainly a recommendation of their utility, and for their continuance, and to my mind
a proof of the good quality of the manure; indeed, I consider the pits an invaluable addition made to the Agri-
cultural operations carried on by the farm."
PART I.—IMPERIAL
REPORT.
B.– REVENUE SECTION.
V.–BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
81
TABLE
Shewing the mean daily amount of Hippuric Acid excreted in the Urine during periods of health, preliminary treatment and after the inoculation and subscquent treatment
of Surra.
Treated
or
otherwise.
Untreated {
Treated
{
Preliminary {
Treatment.
Untreated
{
Animals.
Horse
„
„
„
„
„
„
„
Mule
Mule
No. 92
„ 93
„ 91
„ 96
„ 89
„ 98
„ 99
„ 89
„
I
„ II
Health.
Grammes.
7.88
3.48
0.00
0.00
11.08
12.33
13.14
21.46
1.37
27.05
Preliminary
treatment.
Grammes.
...
...
...
...
...
3.94
8.75
...
...
...
Latent period.
Grammes.
12.22
3.48
0.00
7.19
18.62
...
...
15.73
10.15
27.94
Paroxysms.
Grammes.
1.36
2.79
15.02
4.58
12.49
...
...
3.79
3.48
6.60
Intermission.
Grammes.
0.36
0.00
12.87
6.24
...
...
...
6.24
...
Arsenical
treatment.
Grammes.
...
...
...
...
16.14
...
...
...
...
...
Iodides of
Arsenic and
Mercury.
Grammes.
...
...
...
...
2.18
...
...
...
...
...
Period of
convalescence.
Grammes.
...
...
...
...
*{ Nil
14.87
...
...
...
...
...
Walking
exercise.
Mean
daily.
Miles.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
Nil.
5.06†
Nil.
Nil.
5.35‡
2.03
3.78
REMARKS.
* First 163 days.
Last 63 „
† For 182 days.
‡ For first 60 out
of 73 days.
For first 90 out
of 114 days.
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
V. (A).—EQUINE DISEASES.
22
PART I.-IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
VI.—GENERAL.
97
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
VI.—GENERAL.
Cost of the
Department.
462. The cost of the Civil Veterinary Department debited to India Estimates
during 1895-96, as shown by the Comptroller of India Treasuries (vide Table
XXI, page lxxv) is Rs. 4,31,229-8-2. The Budget grant for the year under
review, as sanctioned by the Revised Estimate, amounted to Rs. 4,30,200, and
the expenditure during 1894-95 was Rs. 3,63,867-7-9. It will thus be seen
that while the total cost of 1895-96 was Rs. 67,362-0-5 in excess of the
previous year, the sanctioned grant was exceeded by only Rs. 1,029-8-2. This
is mainly to be accounted for by the difference in rate of Exchange Compensa-
tion Allowance.
The prices paid for imported horse and donkey stallions during the year
under review, are as shown below:—
Price of 22 horse stallions imported from England, £ 6,585
@ 1s. 1¼d. per rupee
...
...
Price of 14 Italian donkey stallions...
Price of 5 Cyprian donkey stallions...
Total
...
1s. 1¼d. per rupee ...
...
...
Total Rs.
...
...
£ 910
£ 95
£ 1,005
...
...
Rs.
1,19,275-7-6
18,203-12-4
1,37,479-3-10
Tours of Officers
of the Civil
Veterinary
Department.
463. I was on tour from 6th to 12th August and from 26th August 1895
to 3rd May 1896.
In August I inspected the North-Western Provinces and Punjab
Depôts at Babugarh also the Farms and the encamping grounds of Hapur and
Opeihra, with a view of satisfying myself as to the sufficiency of grass for the
ensuing year. I also visited the stallion stables at Delhi and Kurnal. I again
proceeded to Babugarh on 28th August, returning to Simla on 1st September
to accompany Nawab Vicar-ul-Umra Bahadur, the Prime Minister of Hydera-
bad, on his visit to the Depôt; he having expressed a wish to see what was
being done in the way of horse breeding in Upper India, with a view of putting
the horse breeding operations in Hyderabad on a more satisfactory basis.
In September, I visited the Native States of Ulwar, in order to attend
the first Horse show that had been held in the State. I also accompanied the
Political Agent round the Stud Farm, inspecting the stallions, mares and young
stock with a view of offering any suggestions that might occur to me for im-
provement in management, &c.
In October, I visited Quetta and attended the Horse Fair; from
thence I proceeded to the Native States of Bahawalpore, Kapurthala, Nabha,
Jhind, Bhurtpur, and Jeypore, conferring with the Authorities at each of the
States on matters connected with horse and mule breeding. At Jeypore I also
attended the Horse Show held in that State; from thence I proceeded to
Jhelum to attend the Horse Show, and afterwards visited Rawalpindi in order
to inspect the site selected by the Deputy Commissioner for the proposed new
Stallion Depôt; on my return I visited the Lahore Veterinary College and
visited the Depot at Babugarh en route to Garhmuktesar.
In November, I attended the Horse Show at Garhmuktesar and re-
turned by Babugarh where I inspected the various ricks of hay that had been
put up and decided on the contract for gear and clothing; thence I proceeded
25