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absence of a Compounder at present precludes the introduction of the new scheme.
Elsewhere orders have generally been given to pay such visits except where no
important villages are easily accessible from head-quarters (Upper Sind
Frontier) or a Veterinary Assistant is prevented by special duties from leaving
head-quarters (Poona).
The full result of these orders will appear in the next year's report. The
average number of animals treated on tour per Veterinary Assistant or Salutri
was 353 in the Presidency proper and 257 in Sind. The figures for other Pro-
vinces and Administrations (1904-1905) vary from 387 (Central Provinces)
to 1,619 (Bengal). The experiment is still in its infancy and the comparison is
not therefore a fair one. The two full-period itinerating Veterinary Assistants
have shown a fair number of cases, and the total cases treated on tour and at
head-quarters per Veterinary Assistant compare favourably with the figures of
all other provinces except Bengal. The United Provinces figures for 1904-1905
are almost identical with last year's Bombay figures but the distribution as
shown below is different:—
Cases treated on tour
Do. at head-quarters
United Provinces.
... 1,202
...
723
1,925
Bombay.
300
1,600
1,900
In the Punjab and the Central Provinces the total figures are lower than in
Bombay.
6. The following questions in connection with Veterinary Dispensaries.
are at present under consideration:—
(a) The removal of the dispensary at Thána to Kalyán or some better
centre.
(b) Construction of a now building of the Poona City Veterinary
Dispensary.
(c) Additions and alterations to the building at Ahmedabad,
(d) Permanent institution of the Veterinary Dispensary at Nandurbár.
Sanction has been received to the appointment of an itinerating Veterinary
Assistant for the Dhárwár District and to a Government Grant-in-aid to the
Alibág Dispensary.
7. The arrangements in connection with the transfer of the Northcote
Cattle Farm at Chharodi to Government have now been completed but the
question of the retention of the farm in the present locality is still under con-
sideration. In addition to this bull-breeding farm, a bull-rearing farm in some
other part of the Presidency has been suggested but is not likely to find a place
in any immediate scheme for the improvement of breeds of cattle. The whole
question requires the fullest consideration before funds, which are urgently
needed for an advance on assured lines, can be directed to primd facie unpro-
mising experiments.
8. The Ahmedabad and Ahmednagar Cattle shows will be or have
been separately criticised at length. The Ahmedabad Horse Show did not
receive the encouragement it should have from the Police Department.
Unless there is a larger demand for remounts, the breeders are certain to be
greatly discouraged. The stamp of horse available is never likely to be up to
cavalry standards, but for Police sowars the pick of the young stock should
make excellent mounts.
9. The province of Sind has this year received more attention and the
needs of the province will doubtless be gradually supplied.
10. Mr. Hewlett has had a hard year's work and has discharged his duties
with great energy and ability. The Director concurs in his commendation of
his Assistant, Mr. Buxy.
H. S. LAWRENCE,
Director of Agriculture.