176
762. As I have so frequently observed the want of training in that most im-
portant of all subjects, viz., the infective diseases of animals, has been greatly
felt. I was therefore glad to find when I inspected this school in November
last that a Contagious Ward had been added to the buildings of this institu-
tion. This should enable the Principal to admit cases of contagious disease
for treatment, and will also be of value to him for purposes of research
work; all of which will be of value to the students.
763. I am glad to find that the shoeing class which was suspended last year
has been re-started; two men attended—one from Masuda and the other from
Bhurtpore.
Burma Veterinary
School.
764. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Burma, submits
the following reports :—
" Burmans.—Sixteen pupils were attending for instruction at the close of last year. Seven of these having
got tired of work left the school at different times during the year. Their places were taken by seven other
Burmans. The last four vacancies were filled by boys who offered to work and catch up the class on condition
that they would be taken on.
" This I agreed to do, and I am very pleased to say all four did work and were taken on. Three of
them are very smart, and as good as any of those boys who have attended a much longer time, the fourth is,
I fancy, quite as quick, but not so hardworking. During the year lectures were delivered on the following
subjects: Materia Medica, Physiology, Anatomy, Medicine and Surgery, and handling of animals. Every
advantage is taken to afford practical instruction, which class is also attended by the Shans and Karens. They
attended an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, and an outbreak of Surra, while post mortem exami-
nations are held on any police pony that may die in the lines, or on any other pony or animal which may be
given for that purpose. The Health Officer kindly sent the carcase of a bullock for practical instruction. The
great drawback with Burmans and Shans is irregular attendance, and pupils leaving school at odd times, others
have to be taken on to replace them and so progress is naturally not so satisfactory as it might other-
wise be.
"During the year two months' vacation was granted to the Burmans. At the class examinations the
pupils did very well, only three boys failed to obtain two-third marks. The pupils are examined monthly, and if
backward are fined, or half scholarships withheld until some improvement is shown.
Shans.—At the close of last year we had. a class of six Shan pupils. The threat to remove all of
them if some improvement was not shown by a certain date to some extent had the desired effect. They became
more attentive, took a little interest in the work, and their general attendance was more regular than usual.
While the Burmese pupils were on vacation the opportunity was taken of working up the Shans. They did
much better this year, and their behaviour at the school was always good. The great fault with them was, that
they were given to constantly absenting themselves. This taken in conjunction with the fact that none were
blessed with retentive memories, rendered teaching a somewhat difficult task. They did not at all object to
being kept in or fined. If fined they did not pay for board and lodging, and I was the sufferer in the end, as
ancient Shan and Burmese ladies used to come to the office in the hopes that I might cut the amounts owed
out of the pupils' scholarships, which I did not do, so was soon left alone."
" The Shan pupils were sent out for two months to different districts, for practical training under some of
our most reliable assistants. They all worked well, excepting Maung Po Han, who apparently did not confine
himself to the study of the work he was sent out to learn, as he was arrested by the police on a charge of
robbery, was tried, convicted, and sentenced to three years' imprisonment. I reported the matter to the Superin-
tendent, Southern Shan States. I am of opinion that Moung Po Han will be no loss to the Department or
the Shan States as he was the most lazy, inattentive, and irregular attendant we had.
" One thing perhaps which may have tended to increase the difficulties these boys seemed to encounter
with their work was, that they had to learn everything in a foreign language (Burmese) ; though they had a
fair colloquial knowledge, they knew comparatively little of the written language.
" Lectures were delivered on Medicine and Surgery ; they were thoroughly drilled in the contagions
diseases, and all other subjects were carefully revised. Every opportunity was taken to give them practical
instruction.
" In February, they were considered fit to go to the States. The Adviser to the Hsipaw Sawbwa was very
anxious to obtain the services of a Veterinary Assistant. The Superintendent of the Southern Shan States had
no objection to a man being sent. So Maung Po Lon was chosen. The remaining Shans were sent off in April
with instructions to report themselves to the Superintendent, Southern Shan States, for orders. Each Assistant
was provided with an ample supply of necessary drugs, instruments, etc.
" Karens.- I was fortunate enough to meet a very influential Karen named Maung San Lôn, who most
kindly exerted himself on my behalf and obtained eight respectable Karen lads. Two of these, however,
left school after a very brief stay. The vacancies were soon filled by two other Karen boys sent by Maung
San Lôu. I, regret, however, to state that two others have lately given up attending. I have not yet heard
whether they are coming back or not. I trust they will do so, as this constant change upsets the whole work
and with the present small establishment causes endless inconvenience. These lads, with one exception, are
a sturdy lot, appear willing, and above all are, I am glad to report so far, regular in attendance. Two of them
are smart, the remainder slow, but this is natural as the subjects, etc., are all new to them. If they only con-
tinue regular in their attendance I feel convinced that in due course they will turn out good Assistants. I
hope to be able to have a tighter hand over these boys, as Maung San Lôn has asked me to report any case of
misbehaviour to him. This, however, I trust I shall not have occasion to do. Lectures on Materia Medica
and simple Anatomy are delivered daily, and they attend all practical work. With Burmaus, Shans and
Karens a great amount of patience is very necessary. Owing to want of general education, they are slow, their
memories have been little exercised, hence are not retentive, and they are in consequence incapable of grasping
much at a time. We are now adopting another plan with them, i.e., not forcing too much on them. Any
attempt at teaching more than two subjects only ends in hopeless confusion. I trust that next year I shall be
in a position to give a satisfactory account of the progress of these boys."
765. Veterinary Captain Evans is to be congratulated on the success which
attends his efforts; single-handed as he is in Burma, he not only teaches his
Veterinary Assistants but he also superintends their work when they are