174
uniformly weak in all sections, particularly in practical Pharmacy. This is
to be regretted, and more attention will have to be paid to this most important
subject.
747. The Principal reports that at the commencement of the winter session,
the senior class numbered 46, this subsequently was reduced afterwards to 44,
and that the junior class numbered 63 reduced afterwards to 55, making a
total of 99. These classes are in my opinion too large to allow of practical
instruction being successfully given.
748. The competition for entrance to this school continues to be very
great showing that the career is one that is appreciated. 116 candidates
competed for 23 vacancies.
749. The following patients were treated during the year. The number
treated during 1897-98 is also given to enable a comparison to be drawn :—
Equine (in-door) . . . . . .
Do. (out-door) . . . . . .
Cattle and other animals, (in door) . . .
Do.
Do.
(out-door) . .
Examinations for soundness . . .
Horses shod
.
.
.
.
.
.
1897-98.
603
1,609
90
1,815
24
1,178
1898-99.
629
2,074
22
1,875
54
946
The practice available for clinical instruction has been well maintained during
the year.
750. The Nalbund class continues to be very popular and the demand for
properly trained Nalbunds is ccntinuous.
751. On the question of the supply and demand for Veterinary Assistants,
the Principal states:—
" The demand for Veterinary Assistants continues as great as ever it was in ordinary times. Last year of
course it was very exceptional, owing to frontier disturbances when every man calling himself a salutri was
taken on whether he was of any use or not.
" During the year, employment has been obtained for 38 men, and there happened to be at the end of the
financial year 6 unemployed men on the college register. These were men who had but recently
given up appointments they had been holding. Of the 38 men who obtained employment, 3 went to Uganda,
2 to Kashmir, 2 to Native States, 3 to private companies, and the remainder went to District Boards, Munici-
palities, and the Army Transport, Remount and Civil Veterinary Departments.
" With reference to the increase in the demand for Veterinary Assistants during active operations on the
frontier, I think no better suggestions can be made than those made by Veterinary Captain Pease, which are
worthy of quotation :—
" Might I suggest for the consideration of the proper authorities the formation of a large reserve of Veteri-
nary Assistants in the various regiments of Native Cavalry, so that there will always be a considerable number
of men available in case of necessity. I think the men would generally be able to get work when they leave
the army when they might be drafted into the Civil Veterinary Department when this is formed. They would
certainly do their work more satisfactorily than do the ordinary civilians who are taken on only for a short
time, and who are not used to military discipline. I do not think that there would be much difficulty in
obtaining sanction for an increase in the number of military men who are allowed to join the college, or if
there be, there are other schools where men might, most profitably, be trained. And this schema seems all the
more advisable because in a number of cases the ordinary civilian volunteer salutri who is temporarily employed
on Field Service, is not a success, owing to the fact that he, being not acquainted with the class of work required,
does not understand discipline and the exigencies of War service nor is he able to maintain his position and
rights owing to lack of experience, and I regret to say that although the promised improvement in the position
of Transport Veterinary Assistants has affected the permanent men, those temporarily employed are very much
dissatisfied with their lot.
"To maintain a sufficient number of men then in the ranks of the various regiments of Native Cavalry
to form a sufficient reserve establishment, appears to be a measure which is worthy of the consideration of the
Government. It would be unattended with any great expense, would be popular with the men and would, if
ordinarily well organized, prove a very great saving in animal life, whilst at the same time the soldiers trained
for it would have some means of gaining employment when they left the Army."
752. Two buildings are urgently required at this institution. They are—
(a) Clinical Laboratory.
(b) Contagious disease ward.
I am glad to find that both are receiving the attention of the Punjab
Government.
753. The Principal brings to notice the good work done by the teaching
staff with regard to publications, without which it would be impossible for
the passed students to keep themselves up to the times. In addition to the
books prepared for students, which will be found under the head 'General',