60
306. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, makes the follow-
ing remarks:—
"The Hackney sire is certainly not wanted, a great deal too much of that strain already exists. I should
say that the Arab sire should preponderate for a few years. Since last year two Hackneys have been removed
and replaced by one thoroughbred and one Arab stallion.
"The most noticeable feature of the Show was the large number of produce by "Gurkha," a District Board
Arab, all of a particularly good stamp. In Class II—Branded fillies—four of the seven prize winners were by this
sire.
"I might point out here that some very good fillies were seen in their various classes mostly being by
District Board Arab stallions, thus showing how the continued use of these stallions must tend to improve the
horse stock in the district.
"The class of sire producing the greatest number of prize winners was the Arab with thirty-nine, the
Hackney next with eighteen, Norfolk Trotter six, and Thoroughbred English with four.
"It must be borne in mind that until this year the Arab and Hackney sires were in excess, the Arab is now,
but as before remarked, the Hackneys have since been removed.
"The most successful sire was the District Board Arab "Gurkha," being credited with no less than twenty-
two prize winners. "Grape Shot" and "Generalissimo," Hackneys, with nine each, other successful sires were
"Fandango," Thoroughbred English, "Review," Half-bred English, "Magar" and "Hamadan," District
Board Arabs.
"Fifty mares were branded at the Show, several of the produce of Government or District Board stallions,
and altogether a very fair stamp of mare."
307. There can be no doubt that the District Board stallion has done more
to improve the indigenous stock of this district than the Imperial stallion has
done. This proves conclusively that the Arab sire is wanted—he nicks well
with the indigenous mare.
BALUCHISTAN.
Quetta Horse
Show.
308. This Show was held from 13th to 15th September 1898. I regret
to state that as yet no actual decision has been arrived at as to the most suit-
able dates. In considering this question we have to consider two distinct
interests, (a) the local breeder, (b) the importer of the Northern horse. The
first will not bring his brood and young stock to the Fair if it is cold; the
latter says he cannot get to Quetta before the end of September.
309. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, attributes the
success of this year's Show to the early date on which it was held, and states
that the smaller number of imported horses on this occasion was in no way due
to the date on which the Fair was held. This opinion he has arrived at by the
fact that up to the date on which he submitted his report—6th October—no
other Northern horses were on the road.
310. That the locally bred stock were better represented than ever is
proved by the following table:—
Class.
Branded mares in foal
.
.
.
.
.
.
„
„ with foal at foot . . . .
Branded fillies under three years of age . . .
Fillies, three years old . . . . . .
„ two years old . . . . . .
Yearling colts . . . . . .
Yearling fillies . . . . . . .
Foals, colts . . . . . . . .
„ fillies . . . . .
Gelding, three years old . . . . .
„ two „ „ . . . . . . .
1898-99.
103
46
21
45
35
52
40
8
10
14
23
1897-98.
52
9
3
22
55
52
27
10
8
18
60
1896-97.
60
16
7
9
46
46
60
8
5
4
20