2
The question of the purchase of branded mares by officers commanding mounted
corps is one which has already been dealt with by Government in Resolution
No. 2513, dated the 28th March 1883. The Military Department should be
asked to furnish a return shewing the number of country-bred mares and of
mares carrying the Government brand (with the age of each at the time of pur-
chase) now in the Bombay Cavalry Regiments. It is presumed that the reason
why none of the young stock purchased by Captain Webb was sent to the
newly-established depôt at Ahmednagar was that arrangements had not then
been made for the reception of the selected animals.
Bijápur.
Dhánwár.
Dahivadi.
Koregaon.
Násik.
Shirpur.
Chopda.
Mirpur.
3. The number of stallions serving at the end of the year 1887-88 was
103, of whom 59 were horses and 44 ponies. During the year under review five
horses were added to this number, three died from various causes, one was
destroyed and eight were sold as having become unfit for stud purposes. The
number on the register at the end of the year was 96 and Mr. Grainger remarks
that there will be no need for the present to make any addition to it. With
reference to this Mr. Grainger's attention should be drawn to Government
Resolution No. 8318, dated the 13th December 1888, by which the number of
horse and pony stallions required for the Presidency was fixed at 95. It is satis-
factory to notice that 62 of the 96 stallions now standing are classed as "very
good." In accordance with the instructions given in paragraph 2 of the review of
last year's report Mr. Grainger has submitted a statement showing the distribution
of the horse and pony stallions throughout the Pre-
sidency. From this it appears that the services of
the stallions at many places, notably those given in
the margin, were not availed of to anything like the
full extent desirable. In view of the very small number of mares covered by
each stallion at Dhárwár it seems open to question whether some of those stand-
ing there might not be transferred to other places where their services would
be more frequently availed of. Mr. Grainger should favour Government with
his opinion on this point.
4. The total number of mares covered during the year was 3,282 as against
3,578 in 1887-88, the decrease being partly due to a reduction in the number of
stallions. The average number covered per stallion was 35.53 as compared with
35.10 in the previous year. The services of the stallions were therefore more
frequently availed of in the year under review than in 1887-88. Mr. Grainger
has not however explained why the stallions at the places mentioned in the
last paragraph did not cover a proper complement of mares. In future an
explanation should be given in every case when the number is below what
Mr. Grainger considers satisfactory. The results of the coverings of mares in
1887-88 were ascertained in 2,762 cases and the percentage of foals to mares
covered was 37.32 as against 37.42 in the previous year. His Excellency in
Council regrets to notice that these figures still continue to remain unsatisfactory.
5. As regards castration the Governor in Council is glad to observe that
some improvement is noticeable. The number of salutris has been reduced
from 4 to 3, but notwithstanding this 98 colts were castrated during the year
under review as against 76 in 1887-88. The increase was most marked in
Poona, Ahmednagar and Ahmedabad. The cost of these operations to Govern-
ment amounted to Rs. 1,494-4-0 as against Rs. 1,525 in 1887-88. The number
of country-bred horses purchased during 1888-89 for use in this Presidency
as remounts was 390, the majority being for the Bombay Native Cavalry. Some
were also bought for other Presidencies.
6. There is nothing that calls for remark as regards the donkey-stallions.
The number now standing is 23, being two less than the number which Govern-
ment have fixed as required for the Presidency. With the exception of one
which is at Sirur all of them are stationed in Sind. The general results of their
coverings during the year under review can hardly be regarded as adequate,