59
their produce, competed for prizes. These ponies are doing much to improve
the general run of ponies in the country, but, in addition, many of the fillies
produced by them are fit for branding and therefore are covered by the
Imperial stallions.
297. From the report received from the Deputy Commissioner just before
going to Press, I find that the following sales were effected:—
629 horses
1,136 mules
738 donkeys
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value
„
„
R
54,500
92,400
12,600
The great increase in the sale of animals, when compared with former years, is
due to the increase in sales of mules and donkeys to purchasers prepared to
export the animals purchased outside British India.
Shahpur Horse
Show.
298. Was held on 20th, 21st, and 22nd March 1899, and again can be
reported as having been a success. The number that attended may be said to
have been identical with those of last year.
299. The feature of the Show was the branded mare class, in which there
were 187 competitors. Not only was this numerically a strong class, but in
quality, evenness and good whole colors they would be difficult to surpass.
Another excellent class was the two-year old fillies, in which class 40 competed.
Eighty-two mules were exhibited, but only three were purchased by the Remount
Agent, the reason being that many of them were too young. This is to be
regretted, as by next year but few of these mules will be found in the district.
They will be bought up by the dealers and Bunniahs. It is this fact which is
so often noticed at Fairs that has led me to recommend the purchase of very
young mules and rearing them in the rough on cheap grains.
300. Both the Superintendent, Civil Veterinay Department, and the Senior
Military Member of the Judging Committee, bring to notice the fact that bring-
ing in very young foals long distances in order to compete in the class for
branded mares with foal at foot, is not only cruel but is injurious to the foal.
I have frequently noticed this myself, and will recommend the abolition of this
class and the increase of prizes to such mares as are in foal.
301. The following remounts and mules were bought:—
Young stock by Remount Agent . .
Young stock by Queen's Own Corps of Guides
18th Bengal Lancers, remounts . .
Mules by Remount Agent . .
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5
9
12
3
Of the 26 horse stock bought, 16 were by thoroughbred sires. The Judging
Committee was of opinion that the remounts were above the average.
302. I regret to find that the Remount Agent only could purchase five
head of stock in a district like Shahpur. The reason is attributed by the
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, to the fact that anything good
and promising is snatched up by dealers at an early age, as they or their Agents
are always to be found in the district.
303. The class for mares covered by District Board ponies is reported as
good. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reporting on this
point, states:—
"Several good and very useful little mares competed, two of which though under the standard height,
were so well bred with large roomy barrels that I branded them."
304. I also notice that one of the remounts purchased by the 18th Bengal
Lancers was by a District Board stallion; this is most encouraging.
Umballa Horse
Show.
305. A few years ago the horse stock of Umballa was amongst the worst
in the Punjab; since then great interest has been taken by the Deputy Com-
missioner, and in consequence a large number of District Board stallions were
placed all over the district; the result is just now becoming apparent. The
breeders are taking more interest, as is proved by the fact that 15 more
animals attended than last year.
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