123
during the year, against 62 by four Jacks in 1897-98. In Kolegal, the Collector of Coimbatore considers that
the number of coverings would have been still larger had it not been for the inexperience of the syce, and the
lameness of the stallion in December owing to an injury to the coronet in the near hind. One new donkey
stallion arrived in December 1898, but did no work up to the end of the official year."
567. The results obtained, calculated on the coverings of the previous year,
are very disappointing. Of 362 mares covered in Coimbatore, the results are
known in only 271 cases, and the results in Salem are not yet reported.
568. The Deputy Director, Land Records and Agriculture, referring to this
subject, states:—
"For obvious reasons, the only satisfactory method of considering the statistical data available is to examine
the number of unsuccessful coverings. Taken all together, the proportion of such coverings was greater than in
1896-97, the deterioration being very marked in both districts. In both districts also there is a very marked
increase in the number of abortions reported; but in respect of these, it must be said that the information is,
from the nature of the case, almost always hearsay.
"The Collector of Coimbatore remarks regarding the results in his district:—'I consider none of the
percentages good and some bad. Even taken as a whole, the percentage of successful coverings did not come to
more than 20 and was 8 below last year's figure. It is observed that about 72 per cent. of the total coverings
turned out empty. Even considering the way mares are worked after covering, these results seem abnormally
bad.' Regarding the large number (18) of abortions shown against that district, the Deputy Superintendent
remarks:—'The large number of abortions was due to the owners overworking their mares and not caring for
them properly.' This, though it explains in general the fact that a number of abortions are probable, does not
afford any explanation for the greatly increased number shown during the year under report. Nor can I find
any satisfactory explanation of the fact, but would suggest that, when an owner is asked about the results, it is
one of the stock replies made that his mare had aborted. For this reason, I doubt very much whether it is wise
to consider the coverings in these cases as having been effective."
" In Salem, the results are not quite so bad as they are in Coimbatore, but the number of cases in which
the results were not ascertained is far too large, and shows very ineffective enquiry by the Stock Inspector.
The Deputy Superintendent does not appear to have made any enquiries in this district, his whole attention
being given to Coimbatore."
569. Veterinary-Lieutenant Holmes will join the appointment of Superin-
tendent, Civil Veterinary Department, on 1st July, and his attention should be
called to this subject, for, although the bad treatment the mares receive no
doubt has a great deal to say to their not holding, still the stallions must be in
some way responsible; it may be that they are too gross for want of exercise or
that they are in poor condition, both of which would lead to their not filling
their mares.
Pony and Mule
breeding in Bengal.
570. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bengal, states:—
HORSE AND PONY BREEDING IN BENGAL.
"It was reported last year that I was collecting information from various parts of Bengal in order to for-
mulate definite proposals for improving the breed of horses and ponies in Bengal, as was desired by His Honour
the Lieutenant-Governor. With this object, the District Officers, the Managers of Government and Wards'
estates, and various noblemen and gentlemen have been consulted, and their general opinion has been recorded
in my letter No. 661 V. D., dated the 4th April, 1899, to the Director of Land Records, with my own views and
the Inspector-General's review thereon. In my opinion, something may be done to improve the breed of ponies
in Bihar, Darjeeling, and Sikkim.
MULE BREEDING IN BENGAL.
"The Government of India having requested the Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department, to deal
with the important question of mule breeding, I was directed to submit a report on the subject showing what
measures I would advocate to develop this industry. In consultation with the District Officers, I was able to
ascertain that mule breeding is not possible in Bengal, because the prejudices of the people generally are dead
against it. I thought at one time that Darjeeling might be used for mule breeding, but the missionaries and
other people I have sounded are not in the least keen.
DONKEY STALLION AT GUNTAK.
"The Political Officer of Sikkim, under whose charge the donkey stallion 'Charak' is being maintained,
reports that during the year under review ten mares were covered by the stallion and that R199-4-7 were
expended to meet the cost of his feed, keep, attendance, etc. If this stallion turns out to be a foal-getter,
many more mares will be brought to him. Mule breeding in Sikkim is under a cloud just now owing to the
former stallion being useless.
ARAB PONY STALLION AT BUXAR.
"Babu Hardhyan Singh, who looks after the District Board pony stallion 'Ruby,' reports that during
the year 1898-99 the stallion covered 57 mares against 56 last year. The result of coverings is not known, as
many of the mares came from different places and different districts bordering Shahabad. But he says the
stallion is very much appreciated, and his services have been successful as far as has been ascertained. The
cost of feed and keep of the stallion during the year under report was R200-3-3 against R273 last year."
Q 2