NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
14
36. In order to foster this industry, a good Italian donkey has been supplied
to Iskan Khan Tarin, Resident of Toreshah, Tehsil Pishin, Quetta district.
He has provided 40 good donkey mares which he will increase to 50 next
year. He has also promised to increase this number by selection from the
best of those belonging to zemindars living near him.
A stand has also been established in the Rawalpindi district, this being
a centre possessing very fine donkey mares.
37. In addition to the advantages which this Department will derive from
attention to the improvement of donkeys in this country, the Government of
India will also be adding to its Transport supply; as if a good stamp of donkey,
measuring 12-3 in height, with good bone, can be produced, he will make a
better transport animal than a mule of similar height, as his carrying powers
will be equal and he will prove more hardy on a campaign entailing hardship
and short rations.
38. I regret to say that the Bombay market has utterly failed to produce
Persian donkey sires. During the year under review, a number were expected,
but I was only able to purchase one, and this one was so small that it was only
fitted for District Board work. Whilst in Bombay, I endeavoured to make
arrangements whereby a supply would be ensured, but I am not at all hopeful
of success. The dealers wish to insist that this Department is to take every
donkey imported, and as this would certainly tend to the importation of a large
percentage of animals totally unfitted for mule breeding, I would not consent
to their proposals.
They have, however, been informed that the maximum price, viz , Rs. 350,
will be paid for every donkey of dark colour that comes up to the standard
requirements.
It is, however, hoped that a market will be started at Quetta, at which
Persian and Herati donkeys will be obtainable.
39. A reference to the statement above given will show that the Zanzibar
and Somali donkeys possess neither height, girth, nor bone. The 5 Zanzibaris
have been equally divided between North-Western Provinces, North and South
Punjab, but the Somalis are totally unfitted for mule breeding.
By orders received from the Government of India, these latter have been
offered to all the District Boards in the North-Western Provinces and Punjab,
but owing to their size, the biggest being 10-1½ hands in height, only one has
been selected by these bodies.
Number
of
Mules purchas-
ed by Govern-
ment.
40. Table X, page xxxix, will show the number of mules purchased, by
which it will be seen that only 138 were bought by the Remount Department
and Batteries; this is but a very small number; the cause I attribute to the
fact that purchases by this Department were mainly made in April 1895 and
will be shown in the current year.
The number purchased by the Commissariat and Transport Departments
was 1,669 against 1,798 last year,
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
33.—REVENUE SECTION.
I.—HORSE BREEDING.
Cost of feed
and keep of
Government
horse stallions.
41. Table XI (page xliii) will show the cost of feed and keep of Govern-
ment horse and pony stallions during 1894-95. The following is a sum-
mary :—
North-Western Provinces and Oudh
...
...
Rajputana
...
...
...
...
North Punjab ...
...
...
...
South Punjab ...
...
...
...
Derajat
...
...
...
...
Baluchistan
...
...
...
...
Central India ...
...
...
...
Deccan
...
...
...
...
Guzerat
...
...
...
...
Sindh and Catch
...
...
...
AVERAGE COST PER STALLION .
1894-95.
Rs.
267
194
259
248
337
364
163
381
348
396
A.
3
7
15
2
15
8
2
8
7
8
P.
7
6
9
8
4
8
1
10
5
1
1893-94.
Rs.
292
218
307
2S8
321
486
181
342
335
433
A.
1
11
15
5
3
9
3
12
5
13
P.
1
6
5
10
2
4
2
2
9
1
42. The reduction in the cost in most of the provinces is most satisfactory,
especially in North Punjah and Baluchistan. The cost is, however, still high
in the latter province, but I fear that this will always he the case as syces'
wages, price of grain, &c., are always high in this province.
The average cost has been reduced in a great measure by careful super-
vision being exercised over petty expenditure.
I am pleased to be able to note a very satisfactory reduction in the cost of
feed and keep at the depôt, which stands as follows :—
North-Western Provinces Depôt...
...
...
Punjab Depôt
...
...
...
...
1894-95.
Rs.
265
244
A.
2
4
P.
4
10
1893-94.
Rs.
312
262
A.
13
9
P.
1
9
The fact that the cost at North-Western Provinces Depot is this
year Rs. 2-1-3 under the average of other Districts in these Provinces, instead
of being Rs. 73-3-5 in excess as it was last year, shows that most careful super-
vision over expenditure has been exercised.
19
Baluchistan ...
Central India ...
Deccan ...
Guzerat ...
Sindh and Cutch
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1893-94.
1,218
199
574
139
610
1894-95.
1,893
146
628
150
498
The increase in the number of mares covered by Government stallions in
the provinces comprised in Bengal, amounting as it does to 1,100, is most
satisfactory. The increase in Baluchistan, amounting to 675, is also worthy
of note. Bombay has made no progress, in fact Deccan and Guzerat in this
Presidency show a decrease of 65, and it is to be regretted that Sindh, the best
horse breeding portion of the Presidency, shows a decrease of 112 cover-
ings.
Sale of barren
branded mares.
46. It having been brought to notice that difficulty was experienced by the
owners in selling barren branded mares to purchasing officers, and that this
fact rendered the brand unpopular, it was decided, with the sanction of the
Government of India, to alter the rule which stood as follows :—
" Branded mares covered by Government stallions for three years without giving produce
may, at the request of the owners, be struck off the registers as barren,"
To the following substitute for:—
" Three years," "two consecutive years."
1 would have been glad had I been able to alter the rule that purchasing
officers should be empowered to purchase mares said to be barren on the
owners producing certificates of covering for 2 years, but in the face of the
fact that occasionally branded mares are bought by Remount Officers, even
though they are not reported to be barren, I could not extend the license, but
all Superintendents, Civil Veterinary Department, have been requested to afford
every facility to breeders to obtain the necessary certificate.
Number
of
produce foaled,
showing aver-
ages to mares
covered
and
stallions
em-
ployed.
47. The results, as noted in Table IV (page VII), must be looked upon as
most unsatisfactory. The following abstract is given to facilitate reference :—
North-Western Provinces ... ...
North Punjab
...
...
...
South Punjab
...
...
...
Derajat
...
...
...
...
Deccan
...
...
...
...
Guzerat
...
...
... ...
Sindh and Cutch
...
...
...
No. covered.
2,819
2,781
1,810
973
574
139
610
No. held.
678
960
536
352
188
49
89
Average per
Stallion employed.
8.7
18.11
13.74
16.76
11.46
9.80
5.23
48. The working shown in North-Western Provinces is distinctly bad, as of
2,819 mares covered, results are only shown in 971 cases. The results of
1,848 mares covered are omitted. The attention of the Superintendent will
be specially directed to this point. Hereafter, I shall point out, when remark-
ing on the unreliability of statistics, the difficulties with which this officer has
had to contend. It is to be hoped that the steps he has taken will remedy the
defect.
The North Punjab shows the best working in this respect.
34.51
per cent. of the mares covered are shown as having held and 18.11 per stallion
employed against 14.24 last year.
20
Next to North Punjab comes the Derajat. The percentage of mares that
held to the number covered is actually better, reaching, as it does, 36 per cent.,
but the average per stallion is slightly lower.
South Punjab comes next with an average of 13.74 per stallion em-
ployed and a percentage of 29.61 of mares that held to the number covered.
The working in Bombay is shown as referring to horses only; pony breed-
ing not being taken into calculation. The working shown is decidedly bad.
The results being an average of only 24.6 per cent. of mares held to the
number covered, and the average per stallion employed in Sindh and Cutch
being only 5.23 is the worst during the year under review.
49. We cannot possibly claim to be able to show good working until we
reach 40 per cent. of successes to the number of mares covered, and I am pleased
to find that the North Punjab are gradually working to this point. Forty per
cent. is the general average, I believe, of successful coverings on the
Continent, although it is frequently higher at home; but in this country
where we have to contend against the ignorance of the breeder and want of
supervision of the stallions, we can, I fear, never expect to reach the high
percentages reached in England.
50. One important step has been taken this year, viz., that of providing each
stand with bridles for the mares at the time of covering. Hitherto, the mares
were frequently held with a piece of rope which broke whilst they were being
covered, the result being that the operation was not successful. The supply of
bridles to each stand will, I feel, supply a long felt want.
Castration
51. 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
...
...
...
...
Bombay
...
...
...
...
1893-94.
704
...
726
...
45
109
1,584
1894-95.
634
506
213
254
54
171
1,831
52. The increase, although small, is satisfactory. The number shown as
having been castrated in Baluchistan does not show the actual number operat-
ed on, as reliable statistics are not forthcoming from this Agency. Prior to 1st
April 1895, no Zilladars were appointed, but from that date 4 have been sanc-
tioned, and it is also hoped that 4 Salutris will be appointed, as none are now
available to develop castration which would become very popular with the
Beloochees.
PART I—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
II.—MULE-RREEDING.
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
II.—MULE BREEDING.
Cost of feed
and keep
of
Government
donkey
stal-
lions.
53. The average cost per donkey stallion in 1894-95, as shown in Table
XIV, page xlix, was as follows :—
North-Western Provinces and Oudh
North Punjab
South Punjab
Derajat ...
Baluchistan
Deccan ...
Guzerat ...
Sindh and Cutch
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Rs.
142
133
126
152
359
382
266
261
A.
5
8
4
12
5
14
10
12
P.
0
9
3
9
11
2
11
7
The cost compares favourably with last year, except in the case of the
Deccan and Guzerat, where it has materially increased.
The deduction in the cost at the Depôts is most noticeable:—
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
Number
of
pony and don-
key mares serv-
ed by Govern-
ment
donkey
stallions.
54. The number of pony and donkey mares covered by Government donkey
stallions, as noted in Table IX, page xxviii, was as follows:—
North-Western Provinces and Oudh
...
North Punjab
...
...
...
South Punjab
...
...
...
Derajat
...
...
...
Deccan ... ... ...
Guzerat
...
...
...
Sindh and Cutch ...
...
...
Baluchistan
... ... ...
Pony mares.
1893-94.
3,789
7,155
3,917
998
45
11
788
19
1894-95.
3,550
7,282
3,885
953
59
17
687
22
Donkey mares.
1893-94.
131
614
82
...
...
...
...
...
1894-95.
56
667
84
...
...
...
...
...
24
There is a slight decrease in the number of pony mares covered, but still
as the general average of mares covered to stallions employed is 63.78, the
work done by the donkeys is, in some cases, too severe.
It is hoped that next year an appreciable increase in the number of donkey
mares covered will be shown, but to do this, it will be necessary to supply
the North-Western Provinces, Punjab and Baluchistan, with more donkey
power. This I trust to be able to do when the increase of 20 donkeys sanc-
tioned during the present year is obtained.
Number
of
mule
stock
foaled.
55. The average of mule produce per stallion employed, as shown in Table
IX, is still unsatisfactory ; it being as follows :—
North-Western Provinces
... ... ...
North Punjab
...
...
...
...
South Punjab
...
... ... ...
Derajat
...
...
...
...
...
Deccan
...
...
...
...
...
Guzerat
...
...
... ... ...
Sindh and Cutch
...
...
...
...
Mule produce.
1893-94.
13.63
16.57
14.56
...
1.92
...
5.17
1894-95.
13.87
16.60
15 36
16.78
6.80
8.57
5.22
North-Western Provinces and Punjab both show a slight increase over
last year, whilst the Derajat is the highest percentage still reached. Bombay,
although showing an improvement over last year, is still most unsatisfactory.
Much is due to the bad working of the Zilladars, but I fear that some-
thing is due to the fact that in some cases the donkeys have been overworked.
PART I.-IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
III.—HORSE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
50
Naushehro
(Moro) Horse
Show.
217. This show was held on 4th February 1895, and must be considered to
have been very successful. The brood mares were good and 74 remounts were
purchsed by Native Cavalry and Police.
Bhuj Horse
Show.
218. This show was held on 28th February 1895. Only 196 horses were
exhibited.
The yearling colts and fillies are reported as being good, but the remaining
classes were very moderate.
Six head of young stock were purchased for the Rearing Depôt.
MADRAS.
Tiruppur Pony
Show.
219. During the year 1894-95, two pony shows were held in the Madras
Presidency. The first was held at Tiruppur in the district of Coimbatore, on
22nd May 1894, and although the exhibits were somewhat less than at the show
held last year, the quality of the animals was better, and the judges remarked
on the evident care bestowed by the owners on the animals that were shown.
The falling off in numbers is attributed to the fact that exhibitors are
gradually getting to know what constitutes a show animal and not to a falling
off in interest in the show, as many ponies were brought in for sale that were
not exhibited.
Class I for mares in foal by Government stallions was represented by
29 exhibits, which are reported by the Judging Committee as being well grown
mares showing superior quality.
Mecheri Pony
Show.
220. The Mecheri pony show in the Salem district was held on 11th March
1895. The Judging Committee report a distinct improvement on the show
held last year at Hosur in this district, and are of opinion that time is only
required to ensure the success of pony breeding. The Collector of Salem
reports as follows :—
" The judges make two very important suggestions :—
" (1) That owners should be encourged to feed their mares and foals better.
" (2) That they should be encourged to breed from branded mares. From this follows their
keeping the stallion bred fillies for breeding purposes."
He also adds that the first point can only be gained by individual exhor-
tation of the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, and his Assistant
Mr. Mannas, and also that the District authorities should take every oppor-
tunity to impress this on the breeder. He also advocates a prize being given
for castration at shows.
SUMMARY.
221. The total number of animals present at the various horse fairs and
shows during the year under review was as follows:—(vide Table XV, page lii.)
North-Western Provinces and Oudh ...
...
Punjab
...
...
...
...
Rajputana
...
...
...
...
Tirhoot
...
...
...
...
Baluchistan ...
...
...
...
Bombay, including Sindh...
...
...
1893-94.
21,411
26,701
1,152
6,783
2,054
4,255
1894-85.
17,666
83,366
1,169
9,545
2,813
4,847
giving a total of 69,406 against 62,356 last year.
The falling off in North-Western Provinces and Oudh is most marked, but
this is more than compensated for by the large increase in the Punjab.
222. The number competing for prizes also shows a most satisfactory
increase. The numbers are as follows :—
1892-93
1893-94
1894-95
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
9,889
12,746
14,782
51
The increase is mainly due to the Punjab, which shows 1,224 more ex-
hibits than last year. The quality of the exhibits this year was undoubtedly
good, and year by year an improvement is noticed in this direction. The
breeders are beginning to know what class of animal is likely to take a prize,
and horses of very inferior quality are no longer brought into the ring.
223. One of the most satisfactory features was the large increase in the
number of animals, the property of breeders, showing that the industry is
gaining popularity year by year. The numbers are as follows:—
1893-94
1894-95
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
18,262
26,680
Of the total of 26,680, 15,882 belonged to breeders in the Punjab.
224. Most of the fairs show a most satisfactory increase; most noticeable
amongst these being Delhi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Hansi,
Lahore, Shahpur, and Umballa in the Punjab. The fairs showing a decrease
in this Province being Bannu, Jallalabad, Jhang, and Multan. Batesar,
Bulandshahr, and Muzaffarnagar show a falling off in the North-Western Pro-
vinces, as also do the Ahmednagar and Bhuj shows in Bombay. Quetta and
Sibi in Baluchistan show a material increase.
225. Every endeavour was made during the year to prevent fairs clashing,
and I am pleased to be able to report that this was accomplished. Endeavours
are now being made to arrange the dates on which the various shows are held,
so that purchasing officers will be able to go from one to another without
having to travel over the same ground twice.
226. The number of remounts purchased at the shows was as follows :—
Army Remount Department
Native Cavalry
Police ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
326
1,114
173
The number of remounts purchased during the past three years shows a
satisfactory increase:—
1892-93
1893-94
1894-95
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1,167
1,327
1,613
The following abstract will show the provinces from which the remounts
were obtained : —
North-Western Provinces
...
...
...
...
Punjab
...
...
...
...
...
Rajputana
...
...
...
... ...
Bengal
...
...
...
...
...
Baluchistan
...
...
...
... ...
Bombay Presidency
...
...
...
...
227
752
8
25
335
266
The North-Western Provinces furnished 103 less than last year, whilst the
Punjab gave 335 more. This must go far to prove that in the latter province
we have the means of greatly extending our operations.
One remarkable feature is noticed when considering the number of re-
mounts obtained at the various shows in Bombay. It is that although the
Presidency furnished 266 remounts, not one for Native Cavalry was obtained
from the shows held in the Deccan or Cutch. No show was held at Guzerat,
and only 20 head of young stock were bought at shows in the two first named
Divisions; the whole of the balance were obtained in Sindh, and yet this is the
part of the Bombay Presidency which occupies the smallest portion of the time
of the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department.
59
Impey.
" One-fourth of an acre was sown in February ; three cuttings were got from it up to July
when it was left for seed. This is a good crop, horses like it much and improve in condition
owing to the large quantity of sugar it contains."
Sundhio Jowa-
ree.
" The seed was sent by Mr. Mollison from Bombay for trial; 15 seers seed was sown broad
cast on one-third of an acre of land, well manured, on the 27th June 1894 ; all the seed germinat-
ed and the crop was a good one ; the stalks being much thinner than Impey or the country Churree
but not as sweet as impey. The seed cobs were small and did not yield much seed, I consider
this is a good crop for cattle as the stalks are thin and when dry, are not so hard and woody as the
ordinary kurby. I regret to say the stalks were destroyed by rain and high winds and so were
unfit for feed, though a small quantity of the seed has been saved.
Queen of the
Prairie Field
Corn.
" A small patch was sown on the 26th June 1894 ; the seed germinated well and the plants
looked strong and healthy, but the soil here is not rich enough for this variety of maize, as each
plant has from 3 to 6 cobs and the plants are not supplied with sufficient nutriment to bring the
cobs to perfection, hence they were small and the grain was not well developed.
Millets.
" The two varieties—golden and pearl—were sown on 29th June 1894, on a small area of
land, well prepared, The crop grew well, but I do not consider them of any use for horse stock.
Hulless Barley
" Only a few seeds germinated, but the seed was light and not as good as the country barley.
Imported
grass seeds.
" Ten different kinds of grass seeds, as noted in the margin, were sown during first fall of
rain. The only kinds which germinated were the
Meadow Fox Tail and Johnson grass; the others
failed. Some seeds were sown after the rains but
with no better result; the two grasses abovemen-
tioned as having germinated are known as Burroo
and Geeder Poncha; and are very plentiful in this
depôt, they are not good grasses for hay.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Hungarian grass
Awnless Brome.
Creeping Bent.
Meadow Fox Tail-
Hard Fescue.
Tall Meadow Oat.
Bermuda.
Johnson.
Sweet Scented Vernal.
Sainfoin.
Manure.
" Two manure pits have been made this year according to the instructions given in pamphlet
by Mr. Benson, Agricultural Department Madras; the manure saved is very good, some of it has
been used in manuring lucerne, and the whole of the lucerne this year will be manured with it,
and I hope a better yield per acre resulting from good manure will be shown next year."
251. It will be seen that one of the main objects of the farm, viz., that of
conducting experiments with fodder crops has been fully carried out. It must
also, I think, be considered that success has been met with, for not only has the
produce been sold for the use of Imperial stallions at market rates, but a large
profit has also been made on each farm.
PART I— IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
V.—BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
B.—REVENUE SECTION.
VI.—GENERAL.