109
476. Our operations are therefore confined to mule breeding, there being
one donkey with each regiment. Although as many mares as I would like to
see covered have not been so covered during the year, still a good beginning has
been made:—
1st Regiment, Central India Horse, 27, of which 19 belonged to the
regiment and 8 belonged to breeders.
2nd Regiment, Central India Horse, 33, of which 19 belonged to the
regiment and 14 to local breeders.
477. There is one satisfactory point to note, viz., that a commencement
has been made with local breeders, and I hope to see it extend. I am addressing
the officers commanding on this subject.
Mule breeding in
Kurrum.
478. As stated in last year's Administration Report, a donkey was sent to
Kurrum at the request of the officer on special duty. The jack, however,
arrived somewhat late and therefore the experiment cannot be said to have been
given a fair trial. Fifteen mares only were covered, but he was returned to
Kohat for the winter, during which time he covered 23 mares, so that his ser-
vices were not lost. This year the donkey was sent to Kurrum earlier, and the
officer on special duty anticipates better results.
Mule breeding in
Sikkim.
479. A donkey was sent to Guntok on the understanding that he would
cover 50 mares; this was guaranteed by the Political Officer. I regret,
however, to find that his hopes have not been realised, as the donkey only
covered 10 mares. I have therefore addressed the Director of Land Records
and Agriculture, Bengal, on the subject, and if no improvement can be expected,
it will be advisable to remove the donkey, as with the present demand we
cannot afford to have a single one idle.
Trial of Veterinary
preparations.
480. An extensive trial was commenced with 'Chinosol', which may be
described as a powerful antiseptic. Owing to the fact that it arrived from
England just as the various Superintendents proceeded on tour, they have not
been able to give the trial. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
North-Western Provinces and Oudh, has tried the tablets as injections into
sinuses and large wounds of an unhealthy nature, and has found the treatment
very successful. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North
Punjab, has used this preparation in the case of a very bad Bursatti sore, and a
complete cure was effected.
481. It is of course too early to decide in favour of this preparation, but I
feel certain that owing to its portability it will form a very suitable preparation
as a dressing for indolent wounds for our Veterinary Assistants and also for an
army in the field.
Collection of sam-
ples of horse and
bullock shoes and
Instruments used
by Nalbunds in dif-
ferent parts of
India.
482. At the request of the Government of India a collection of horse and
bullock shoes and instruments used by Nalbunds in different parts of India
was made during the year. This collection was obtained for the Consul Gene-
ral for Belgium in British India. The collection was forwarded to him for
the "Ecole de Medecine Veterinaire of Brussels."
483. The specimens comprised those in use in the following Presidencies
and Provinces:—
North-Western Provinces and Oudh.
Madras.
Bengal.
Bombay.
Baluchistan.
Kashmir and Kashgar.
Central India.
Punjab.
Rajputana.
Hyderabad-Deccan.
Assam.
No pains were spared in making the collection, and I conisder that it is as
complete as could possibly be, and as such must prove of value and interest.