22
in my opinion it does not do so. They are lighter than those obtained in other districts, and gave me the
impression of being in and in bred; my opinion was further confirmed by the measurements of Famagusta
donkeys purchased for shipment to India. By the following list of measurements:—
Nos.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Height.
H.I.
13.0½
12.3½
12.3
12.3½
12.3½
13.0
13.1½
12.3¼
12.3
12.1½
12.2½
12.2
12.2½
12.3
12.2½
12.2½
12.2½
12.2
12.3¼
12.0½
12.1½
12.1
12.2½
12.1
12.2½
12.0
12.1
Girth.
Inches.
60
58
57½
57
57½
57½
59
56½
57
57
57
54½
57
55
56
55
54
54
54½
53
54½
53½
55½
57
54½
55
55
Shank.
Inches.
7⅛
7⅛
7
6½
6¾
7
7
7
6½
6¼
6¾
6¾
6¾
6¼
7
6¼
6½
6½
6¾
6¼
6½
6¾
6¾
6½
6¼
6¼
6½
Age.
Years.
4
4
4
6
6
4
5
6
6
6
7
4
6
6
6
4
5
4
3
6
6
4
4
7
5
6
6
The Leper.
The Doctor.
Augustina I.
Kythrea.
Lefkara.
Sowry.
Alban.
Akathiot.
Zamba.
Lorogina.
Avkorou.
Famagusta I
Armenian Monastery.
Limonofa.
Lefkomko.
Famagusta II.
Carpas.
Augustina II.
Nicosia.
Kooklia.
Asha.
Famagusta III.
Korna.
Yalusa.
Agkrous Famagusta.
Damascus.
Alhambra.
it will be seen that Nos. 12, 16 and 22 which were bought in this district compare unfavourably either in height,
girth, or shank with many of the others, and notably so with the first nine.
"I proceeded from Famagusta to Nicosia, where I carefully inspected the batch of 27 that were ready for
shipment to India, this being the original indent for India, 25 and 2 for Faridkot and Kapurthala. I took all
their measurements as noted above, by which it will be seen that the averages are as follows:—
Height............
Girth...........
Shank............
12.2½
56 inches.
6⅝ „
"These measurements are very tightly made, half an inch was allowed for shoes or long feet, and I have no
hesitation in saying that I consider this the best batch that has ever been obtained from Cyprus. Italy could
not produce as good a batch at the present time, and the cost per donkey is only one-fifth of what the Italians
would cost. It will therefore be seen how advisable it is that the supply from this island should be fostered.
I should add that we are indebted to Dr. Heidenstam, C.M.G., the Chief Medical Officer, for their purchase.
This officer has been in Cyprus since the occupation, his knowledge of the island, its people and their language
enables him to obtain advantages which others not possessing this knowledge could not possibly obtain.
"With reference to the above-mentioned measurements, I would call special attention to donkeys Nos. 1
to 9. This is the class of jack required for India, and it could most easily be bred in large numbers in the
Island.
"The average measurements are better than last year when, as will be seen by paragraph 137 of the
Annual Administration Report of this Department for 1897-98, they stood as follows:—
Height.
12.2
Girth.
53¾
Shank.
6½
"These were better than those supplied in 1896-97; it may therefore be said that as the demand for this
class increases, an improvement is taking place.
"If we compare the Italians received during the past two years with this year's Cyprians, we find that the
latter are the best especially in girth:—
Italians, 1896-97 .
1897-98 .
Cyprians, 1898-99 .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Height.
. 12.2
. 12.2¼
. 12.2½
Girth.
55
54
56
Shank.
6¾
6¾
6⅝
"Whilst in Nicosia, I visited all the large Khans or Serais, and was forcibly struck with the fact which I
have before mentioned that the best donkey mares are kept for mule breeding, every big mare having a mule
at foot.
"I have hitherto said nothing about the further supply of the 34 Jacks required by us this year, viz.,
9 to complete the number indented for from the Continent, and 25 sanctioned by Government in excess of
the first Cyprian indent. On my arrival in Cyprus, I received a letter from the Chief Secretary, in which the
sanction of the High Commissioner was conveyed to the purchase of 9, but in which it was stated that it was
not deemed desirable, that of the age and class required, any number beyond the 9 referred to should be
taken from the island this year. I therefore, after consulting Dr. Heidenstam, addressed the Chief Secretary,
asking that sanction might be accorded to the purchase of as many as came up to the standard required; and
at an interview with the High Commissioner, sanction was subsequently obtained to as many as possible
being purchased. I doubt if the full number will be forthcoming, for as stated in my letter, I consider it
advisable that a smaller number should be shipped rather than that the standard should be lowered.