55
259. Last year, 3 remounts were purchased; this year 10 were obtained,
viz.:—
Army Remount Department . . . . . .
2nd Regiment, Central India Horse . . . . . .
18th Bengal Lancers . . . . . .
3
2
5
and, in addition, 3 mules were purchased. The average price paid for Native
Cavalry remounts was R283 and for Baggage mules R110.
260. The mares are reported as wanting in quality and size and as showing
badly when compared with some of the produce running at their side by Gov-
ernment or District Board sires. This is very satisfactory, showing as it does a
marked improvement in the stock.
261. District Board prizes were awarded for mares and stock covered or
got by District Board ponies.
262. In all, 219 animals changed hands, realising the sum of R15,970; if
we deduct the value of the 13 animals purchased for Military purposes, we find
that 206 animals were bought by private individuals for R13,000.
263. The improvement which has taken place in this Show cannot be attri-
buted to a better season, for last year was a bad one for the district; it must
be attributed to the great interest taken in the matter by all the District
officials, to whom the thanks of this Department are due, especially to Mr.
Herdon, the Secretary of the District Board, who worked indefatigably to ensure
success.
264. In order to show what can be done in a small Show and in not a
particularly good horse-breeding district, I would quote the following extract
from the report by the Deputy Commissioner. He states:—
"A feature of this Fair was the daily parade of the Imperial and District horse and donkey stallions
which were all summoned into Hansi, and in this way Zemindars were able to select any stallion that might take
their fancy to serve their mares. Forty mares in all were covered during the Fair. Fourteen mares were
passed and branded and a reward of R5 was given to each owner."
Jellalabad Horse
Show.
265. This Show, held from 17th to 19th January 1899, was in every way
a success. The number of horse stock attending was 2,721 as compared with
2,597. The number competing for prizes fell from 281 to 254, the reason of
this being that the dealers concluded their purchases and removed the animals
before the Fair commenced. This always is annoying to one who wishes to see
as much as possible of the stock in a district, but I see no remedy.
266. The best class in the Show was that of Branded Fillies, of which 19
competed. Of 9 that took prizes, 8 were by Government stallions. This is
most satisfactory, showing that the Zemindars prefer keeping their good fillies
for breeding purposes to selling them.
267. On the question of the class of stallion most suited to this district,
the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports:—
"The class of sire that produced the greatest number of prize winners was the Thoroughbred English.
This class being credited with 36 as compared with 14 to the Hackney and Norfolk Trotter and 11 to the
Arab.
"The sire whose produce showed up most was 'Snuff' Thoroughbred English, 'Glenstrae' Thoroughbred
English, 'Presentation' Hackney, 'Phenomenon' Norfolk Trotter, and 'Sir Frank' District Board Arab.
"In Class VI—Foals, the produce of 'Snuff' Thoroughbred English, took seven prizes, all of which are
very promising.
"It is to be noted that in Class IV—Native Cavalry Remounts, that the first, second and fifth prize-winners
were by the Faridkot Arab stallion who is evidently a very capable stock getter.
"The most popular stallion amongst the zemindars is the Thoroughbred English or Thoroughbred Australian,
whilst much preferring the Arab to the Norfolk Trotter. In this I think they are quite right; there are a
certain percentage of mares fit to cross with Thoroughbreds, but the majority would mate well with the Arab, of
which class of stallion I should advise keeping in excess for some years in this district."
268. Two points are worthy of notice in the above extract, (a) that we
are already beginning to derive the benefit of the action of Native States in
keeping good Arab sires, (b) the fact that good Arabs are required in the
Ferozepore district. With this statement I fully concur.
269. Only one head of young stock was purchased by the Remount Agent,
and in remarking on this point the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, brings to notice the fact that so many young animals from six months of
age and upwards are bought up by down-country dealers. I have already
alluded to this fact when reviewing the Dera Ghazi Khan Horse Show. Veteri-
nary-Lieutenant Smith brings to notice the fact that when marching between