100
I gave such orders as are likely to lead to a good supply of Bhoosa and Jowar
Kirby.
I then proceeded to Naini Tal and discussed the subject of the buildings
still remaining to be completed, as well as the order in which they should be
carried out.
Inspection of
Saharunpur Raj-
pur Dak Line.
I then visited the Saharunpur-Rajpur Dâk Line, being accompanied
by the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North-Western Prov-
inces and Oudh. My object in visiting this line was connected with the
constant appearance of surra and the less frequent appearance of glanders,
also to consider the new Hackney License Act with a view of ascertaining
whether it would enable the authorities to cope with the disgraceful condition
of the ponies employed on the line.
I returned to my head-quarters (Simla) on 29th April 1898.
Veterinary Assist-
ants for Uganda.
In May, I proceeded to Umballa in connection with the despatch of four
Veterinary Assistants for Uganda. Four excellent men were selected, and
I trust that they are doing good work in that province.
Visit to Kangra in
connection with
Mule-breeding
Rinderpest and
Dispensaries.
In July, I went on my usual tour of inspection of the depôts, and en
route to Rawalpindi I visited the Kangra district to discuss with the Deputy
Commissioner the following subjects, in which, I think, the district could
develop:—
Mule-breeding.—I pointed out that I considered more donkeys might
usefully be employed, especially by placing them in the hands
of Lumbardars.
Rinderpest.—As this disease is always prevalent in this district, I
informed the Deputy Commissioner of the experiments which
were being carried out with a view of reducing the mortality by
inoculation, and asked him to kindly ascertain whether there
would be any objection to this being carried out in Kangra.
Dispensaries.—I urged upon him, if district funds would allow, to start
at least one dispensary in his district.
Rebuilding stal-
lions' stables,
Rawalpindi.
At Rawalpindi, I inspected all the Thoroughbreds that had arrived from
the districts, and made all arrangements for the re-building of the stables,
which work had received the sanction of the Government of India.
Conference
on
horse and mule-
breeding subjects
with Superintend-
erts, Civil Veteri-
nary Department,
Babugarh.
I then proceeded to Babugarh and held a conference with the Superintend-
ents who are connected with expenditure, and who are engaged in carrying out
the horse and mule-breeding operations of this Department.
The points brought forward for discussion were:—
(a) The cost of feed and keep in the districts, and the best means by
which it might be reduced.
(b) The cost of feed and keep in the depôts. This question was fully
discussed, and I pointed out the lines on which savings might be
effected without injury to the stallions.
(c) The cost of gear and clothing. I enjoined on them the necessity
for its most careful inspection on receipt from the contractor, in
order that none but that which is of quality equal to the sealed
patterns should be selected. I also enjoined on them the neces-
sity for the careful scrutiny of issues, and instituted a system
whereby this can in future be more carefully checked. I
further pointed out the saving that might be effected in this
direction by attention to repairs, a subject which I found on my
inspection of various stands, did not receive that care which it
should.
Two questions brought forward by the Director, Army Remount Depart-
ment, were also discussed.
They were:—
(i) Purchase of mules.—Plans were drawn up by which it was hoped
that mules that otherwise might not be purchased by the Army
Remount Department, would be obtained.