50
larger numbers than we have any knowledge of. I have watched this care-
fully when going through the dealers' yards, and I have been struck by the
number of branded mares in their possession; did they not receive encourage-
ment from Remount Officers, they certainly would not buy them. It will
be for the decision of the Government of India whether the prohibition of
purchase is entirely removed or whether Native Cavalry should be told that
branded mares are not to be bought from dealers unless they are furnished
with a certificate of barrenness. As the matter stands at present, I agree
with Colonel O'Malley that it is absurd; but, as I before stated, by purchas-
ing such mares from dealers Remount Officers have evaded—if not absolutely
disobeyed—the orders on the subject. It is to be regretted that Officers so
hanker after branded mares; it is a very short-sighted policy on their part,
which must react against their own interests in the long run.
215. Major Angelo remarks:—
"I have visited no other Fairs this year. At the last Bysakhi Fair I noticed how much of the stock had
long pasterns and commented on it in the roll I sent the Municipal Committee. At this Dewali Fair I am
more than ever convinced of this weakness in the future remounts.
"I have never bought horses so cheap before, considering the quality. I notice great improvement in
the stock."
216. This officer would appear to be scarcely consistent, for, whilst he
notes the great improvement in the stock and states that he has never
bought so cheaply considering the quality, he comments on the weakness
of the future remounts, due to their long pasterns. I have attended a large
number of Fairs, and when doing so I most carefully inspect all stock with
a view of ascertaining whether the general run of stock in any district has any
particular fault which it is necessary to rectify, in order that suitable stallions
may be sent to that district to correct the fault; but I cannot say that, except
in one district, have long weak pasterns been noticeable. The exception was
in the Shahpur district, and here the long pasterns were confined to the hind
legs.
217. The above remarks refer to the Fair, and connected with it there is
now held a small Horse Show. This was done at the request of the District
authorities, and I am pleased to find that it is proving a success, and I trust
that this will be maintained.
218. On this occasion, 246 animals competed for prizes against 42 last
year. Very good classes were exhibited in Branded Mares, 2 year-old Fillies
and Yearling Colts and Fillies.
Imperial Funds contributed . . . . . .
Municipal Committee
„ . . . . . .
District Board
„ . . . . . .
R
240
200
110
the latter sum was reserved for mares covered by District Board ponies and
their progeny. The result of the employment of these ponies in the Amritsar
district is most marked.
Amritsar (Bysakhi)
Fair.
219. This Fair was held from 6th to l5th April 1899, and was very suc-
cessful. There was an increase of nearly 500 animals.
220. This being a purely dealers' Fair, the question of the greatest interest
is that referring to remounts, and I certainly am of opinion that a most useful
lot were obtained. The numbers were as follows:—
Army Remount Department . . . . . .
Native Cavalry . . . . . .
Transport ponies (Jeypore) . . . . . .
Horses.
6
80
56
Mules.
12
57
...
221. The Horse Show was decidedly better than last year,—151 competed
against 116. It will be remembered that prizes were offered at this Fair, as it
was thought that it would encourage remounts being brought to it. On this
subject the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states:—
"The number competing in the Remount class was small compared with the actual number puchased; but
I do not see how this is to be avoided, as, as soon as a Purchasing Officer has bought a sufficient number to fill
a truck, he is anxious to see them boxed and started off to their destination."