2
factory. The number of the former class of mares branded in Gujarát and the
Deccan is particularly small, and it is explained that this result is due to a
succession of indifferent seasons and consequent scarcity of fodder,
Beluchistán...
Bijápur.
Dhárwár.
Dhulia.
Shirpur.
Chopda.
Mirpur.
Lárkhána.
Zál.
Duki.
Khakan.
4. Of the aggregate total number (103) of horse stallions on the register
93 were more or less actively employed during the year, the rest being either
stationed at the depôt for acclimatization or temporarily unfit for service. The
average number employed at stud work during the year is stated to have been
85.66 as compared with 92.35 during 1888-89. The number (3,113) of branded
mares covered by the stallions during the year under review was less by 169
than the number (3,282) covered in 1888-89. The decrease is accounted for by
the reduction in the number of stallions and the rejection of many of the mares
brought to the stands to be covered owing to their
poor condition. The average number of mares
covered by horse and pony sires is stated to have
been 36.34 in 1889-90 as compared with 35.55 in
1888-89. It is noticed that the average was parti-
cularly and unsatisfactorily low at the stations
noted on the margin. Mr. Grainger should have
furnished an explanation in each of these cases as
directed in paragraph 4 of Government Resolution No. 6640, dated 6th Sep-
tember 1889.
5. The produce foaled in the year under review as the result of the
coverings of 1888-89 is given as 419 colts and 350 fillies or a total of 769. The
proportion which this figure bears to the number of mares covered in 1888-89
is 33.61 per cent, as compared with 37.32, the percentage returned in 1888-89.
This falling-off is reported to be due to the weak state of a large number of the
covered mares and their consequent incapacity to hold. The average number of
produce foaled during 1889-90 per stallion employed at stud work in 1888-89
amounts to 11.83.
6. The number of remounts purchased for the Army and the Police during
the year was 423, of which 104 were the produce of Government stallions.
Of the remounts bought 28 were purchased for the Ahmednagar remount
rearing depôt by Mr. Grainger who was directed to visit the Horse-show held
at Málegaon in the Hyderabad State for this purpose. The Superintendent
has also been requested to make similar purchases during the current year in
Káthiáwár, but he points out now that compliance with this order will interfere
with the performance of the ordinary duties of his appointment, as Káthiáwár is
no longer included within the sphere of his operations, and suggests that the
work should be entrusted to a Remount officer specially appointed for the
purpose. Mr. Grainger should be requested to furnish Government with a
copy of the instructions received by him directing him to proceed to Káthiáwár
to purchase remounts, in order that if necessary the attention of the Government
of India from whom presumably the instructions were received may be invited
to the suggestion made by Mr. Grainger with a view to such orders being
passed as may be deemed proper. The opinion of the Military Department
should be requested on the suggestion made in paragraph 81 of the report
regarding the advisability of deputing officers of the Remount and Transport
Departments to attend Horse-shows for the purchase of young stock.
7. The number (72) of colts castrated during the year was less by 26 than
the number (98) operated on in 1888-89 and by 16 than the average of the three
preceding years. On the other hand, there was an increase in the expenditure
on account of the castrators' establishment which rose from Rs. 1,494-4-0 in
1888-89 to Rs. 1,530-10-0 in 1889-90. It appears from paragraph 83 of the
report that the present system has not proved successful and that Mr. Grainger
hopes to secure more satisfactory results when the new Civil Veterinary
Department is organized and Veterinary graduates are employed to perform the
duty.