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512. Of 250 mares covered by the donkey stallions whose progeny can be
traced, 69 foals were dropped. 27.5 of the coverings were successful, which is
about the average. This would have been higher, but the results obtained by
the donkey, which has been got rid of, were decidedly bad.
513. Horse Show.—As usual, a Horse Show was held in this State on 24th
and 25th February 1899, and the time is not far distant when it will be in a
position to furnish stock for British Cavalry and remounts for Native Cavalry.
514. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab,
attended this Show. The following extract from his report will prove of
interest:—
"The number of horse stock present numbered 261 against 191 last year, showing an increase of 70.
"From a perusal of the numbers of competitors in the various classes, it will be noticed that they were
both numerous and were largely composed of the progeny of Government and State sires.
"I consider this one of the best Shows I have attended. Very great keenness was shown by all present.
The success of this Show and of horse breeding in this State is largely due to the stock got by the good sires
provided by the State, and also to the fact that the breeders keep their stock instead of selling it at an
early age as is done in many other districts.
"I saw several animals likely to grow into British Cavalry remounts; a similar remark I see was made
by my predecessor.
"I purchased one Ordnance and one Baggage mule for the Army Remount Department."
515. I shall acquaint the Director, Army Remount Department, of the
good quality of the stock, and shall ask him to send an officer to this Show
next year.
Maler Kotla.
516. In this State there are about 400 small mares in every way calculated
to throw good mules. Mule-breeding operations have been held in abeyance
owing to more pressing matters, but the Nawab of Loharu, the Superintendent
of the State, has always said that it was his intention to introduce it. He has
now written and asked that he may be supplied with one donkey this year and
with another next. The Government of India have sanctioned the importa-
tion of a donkey from Cyprus, and I feel confident that this industry will prove
a success in this State.
Nabha.
517. In this State a small stud is maintained, only 25 mares are kept, but
amongst these are some very nice ones. Eight colts and 27 fillies were in the
run when I visited the State last November.
518. His Highness the Rajah of Nabha also assists the breeders of his
State by allowing them the use of two stallions. The number covered by these
I was, however, unable to ascertain as no register is kept.
519. In the run were to be seen 7 donkey mares and 11 donkey foals, all
of a good stamp. I shall watch this experiment with interest as His Highness
has been pleased to say that he will part with any colts which are likely to
prove fit for sires and, as assisting us in obtaining if even a few Jacks, the
experiment, if successful, will prove of value.
BHOPAL AGENCY IN CENTRAL INDIA.
Horse breeding in
Bhopal Agency in
Central India.
520. As stated last year, a commencement has been made in the States of
Narsingarh and Rajgarh. In the former, two Arab stallions were employed,
but unfortunately one died during the year. Twenty-four mares have been
covered. In the latter, 16 mares were covered and 5 foals were produced.
This is a small beginning, still it is satisfactory.
RAJPUTANA.
Bhurtpore.
521. Horse and mule breeding have not made that progress in the State that
I would have wished to see, but still I can only hope that matters are better
than the returns represent them to be, for the Superintendent, in submitting
his report to the Political Agent, says "these figures are somewhat unreliable
as the Tehsildars have hitherto paid very little attention to the work, " still
we find that 88 mares have been covered by the 3 horse stallions and 50 by
the donkey stallions. I trust to see the latter industry develop greatly as the
State has lately given up its regiment of Imperial Service Troops and is about
to raise a Transport Corps with 600 mules. Breeders, finding that they
Q