(7)
62. A list of fairs is appended (Appendix XVIII), which shows certain
addition. The Kochaikote fair, which is shown on the Inspector-General's list
as a cattle fair, is not an animal fair at all in the ordinary sense, and appear
to have been included by mistake.
63. Sonepur jair.—I arrived on the 18th November and remained until
26th November. Two students from Belgatchia were taken for instruction in
accordance with the directions of the Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary
Department. The estimated number of animals present was as follows:—
Horses and ponies
Bullocks...
Cows...
Buffaloes...
Elephants...
Camels...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
2,700
35,000
500
A few.
300
A few.
64. There were fewer horses and ponies present and more cattle than last
year.
65. I failed to discover any trace of infectious disease amongst the
animals.
66. Quite 95 per cent. of the animals at the fair were in very good con-
dition.
67. Horses.—Captain Hamilton, 3rd Bengal Cavalry, was the only
Remount Officer present; his report is appended (Appendix XIX). It was
generally stated that the animals were not such a good class as last year.
68. It is a matter for congratulation that the Glanders and Farcy Act
has been introduced at Sonepur during the mêla, as energetic measures may
be taken to prevent the spread of a disease which is alike fatal to man
and horses.
69. Cattle.—The approaching scarcity was the alleged reason for the
large number of cattle present. I saw several bullocks which were suited
for ordnance work; and Major Williams I.C.D., from Allahabad, suc-
ceeded in buying 19 bullocks at a fair price, and was pleased with his
success. I inspected these animals, and in my opinion they will improve
considerably.
70. The lighter kinds of draught cattle were dearer than was expected,
and I believe a good many returned home unsold.
71. The Show.—The Show was held in the middle of the cattle fair,
the yard being an enclosure of bamboos. The judges were Mr. J. J.
McLeod, C.S.I., of Sara Sarai, Champaran, Mr. J. A. M. Wilson of Chuckia, and
myself. Mr. Bourdillon, the Commissioner, was good enough to distribute the
prizes. The management of the Show and all other arrangements in con-
nexion with the mêla were in the hands of Mr. E. P. Chapman, C.S., of Chapra.
72. I append a list of prize-winners as well as the measurements of some
cattle (Appendix XX). Only Rs. 125 were expended in prizes, as some of the
classes did not fill and in others the animals were considered unworthy. I have
suggested that the grant of Rs. 250 might be renewed next year.
73. I was told that the show was an advance on last year's, and
we may reasonably hope that steady progress will be maintained, as even this
year the enclosure was not large enough to hold the draught bullock class.
74. In my report on the Show I ventured to offer a few suggestions, but
with considerable diffidence, being new to the district; amongst others the
following:—
(a) that admission to the Fair be by ticket, for which a small fee be
charged;
(5) that the admission tickets to the Show be printed in vernacular as
well as English;
(c) that the Show-yard might be erected in a less dusty and more acces-
sible place;
(d) the Show-yard might be decorated with flags, &c.;
(e) the certificates awarded might be made the means of advertising the
Show if printed in the vernacular and illustrated;