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"Here then we have a market where we can find a large and steadily increasing number of mules, of good
hardy constitution, for a very reasonable average price; and if: once we break faith with these people, it will
take years to win back their confidence. This will be a serious loss, because with the increase in the purchase of
mules there will be a corresponding increase in the importation of wool, which, I am informed, reached a total of
30,000 maunds last year. This then should be another reason why the mela ought to be encouraged."
"Five hundred rupees were sanctioned for prizes by the Civil Veterinary Department. The money was
distributed among the best animals purchased by the Transport Officer, and was divided into 32 prizes. In the
appendix will be found a list of: prize-winners with the respective amounts.
"I consider the animals purchased this year are of better quality than those obtained in 1894. This may
be due to the larger number brought in for selection."
"There were 48 ponies brought in for sale, and these were of a very good stamp ; but I regret to say that
although prizes were offered for stallions, only two wretched entire tattoos were shown. No prizes were there-
fore given to them, as it was considered that it would be inadvisable to reward these animals, and thus discourage
their use as stallions."
" There were several mules which would have done for Artillery purposes, and three, which were really
fine animals. The Remount Agent authorized me to purchase under advice from the Officer Commanding the
Mountain Battery at Jellapahar. I therefore telegraphed to him to know the minimum measurements of a
suitable animal, and received a reply that the minimum measurements for an Ordnance mule was—height 14
hands, girth 67 inches, shank 7½ inches. As none of the mules reached 14 hands, I decided not to purchase
any."
" In conclusion, I beg to state that the sum of Rs, 500 granted this year by the Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment has. in my opinion, produced a very favourable impression among the Tibetan traders, and I think, they
see in it a desire on the part of Government to establish an extensive trade in mules which, if encouraged, will be
a source of much benefit to the Army Transport Department. I would, therefore, recommend that the grant of
Rs. 500 be again made for distribution among owners of the best mules assembled at the Kalimpong mela to be
held in 1896."
360. I can add but little to this report, but it is interesting to note that
whilst 162 mules were bought last year by the Transport Department at
an average of Rs. 133—175 were purchased on this occasion at an average of
Rs. 122.
361. The minimum measurements for Ordnance mules quoted appear to me
high; many a good mule of 13-3 with a good deep girth will outlive bigger
animals.
BALUCHISTAN.
Quetta Horse
Show.
362. This show was held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th October 1895, and as a
horse market it fell short of that held last year, although, as far as young stock
bred in the district is concerned, more were found available and fit for British
Cavalry by the Remount Agent.
363. The numbers fell off from 1,342 last year to 1,100 on this occasion,
and 99 less competed for prizes.
The causes leading to this falling off, are attributed:—
1st —To the dates of the show not having been sufficiently advertised in
parts of the Agency, particularly in Kelat.
2nd.—To the partial failure of crops in Pishin and other parts.
364. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports the animals
that were exhibited as being generally of good quality and stamp, but complains
that many owners failed to bring their covering and produce certificates. This
important point, important especially as it prevents this Department knowing
the class of stock got by the various stallions, has been referred to the Agent to
the Governor-General.
365. This officer also complains that castration is not progressing, and states
that he frequently receives applications from breeders to send a man to castrate,
but that there is only one Imperial salutri in the Agency. This will, I hope,
soon be remedied, as I have recommended the appointment of 4 extra
Salutris.
366. From Remount Rolls received, 121 remounts were purchased for Native
Cavalry and 23 for Zhob Levies; this shows a falling off from last year when
283 were bought. Very large purchases were made by the Punjab and Bombay
dealers, said to be over 350 animals; amongst their batches were several valu-
able brood mares. It is to be regretted that so few Regiments were represented
at this fair; no purchaser for Native Cavalry, outside Baluchistan, came to buy
and indeed all Regiments in the Agency were not represented.
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