28
ing brood mares. The Chiefs are anxious that the industry should be carried
out on sound lines and are willing to introduce improvements so as to ensure
their studs being a success. The mares in the various paddocks have during
the past year been carefully examined by me, and only the best retained, the
remainder being drafted or put aside for mule-breeding. It is proposed that a
similar drafting take place annually and all vacancies filled up with the best
home-bred fillies. This policy systematically carried out, for the next five or six
years, will result in the Káthiáwár studs owning some of the very best brood
stock in India. I need hardly point out that this step unheard of in Káthiáwár
before, of doing away with old, barren and unsound mares, will at once show
what vast strides have been made, and further prove that the Chiefs are now
willing to accept advice and adopt recommendations for the well-being of their
studs.
All the studs have been supplied with good Arab sires, as these are obtain-
able in the country, but considerable difficulty is experienced by them in pro-
curing thorough-breds. Some of the States have applied for the services of
thorough-breds on what appears to me to be conditions most favourable to
Government. Taking all circumstances into consideration, and the position
we now stand with regard to these studs, I trust that Government will be
pleased to accede to their wishes, as these stallions will only be mated with big
roomy mares, whose offspring placed under such favourable conditions should
grow into typical remounts. I think that I can safely say that the majority
of these studs are now in good working order and their future very promising.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Fodder Arrangements.
84. The total amount of fodder raised under departmental arrangements
during the past year amounted to 72,745 lbs. and shows a distinct saving to
Government of Rs. 951-8-0, which must be looked upon as fairly satisfactory
taking into consideration the short time the experiment has been in working
order and the disadvantageous conditions under which it was commenced.
The small patch of land within the stallion stable enclosure was prepared
for sowing early in May and the first seeds of jowári and guinea grass planted
early in June after the first heavy shower of rain. These crops failed completely,
as the season was very unfavourable and comparatively no rain fell until early
in September. This necessitated a second sowing and entailed a certain amount
of loss in time, labour and seed.
The new well in the stallion stables was abandoned by the Public Works
Department after sinking some 35 feet, when only a small quantity of water
quite insufficient for irrigation purposes was obtainable. At a cost of Rs. 51, I
made arrangements to sink a further depth of 5 feet and it resulted in a plenti-
ful supply of water. I think it is possible to still further improve matters, and
propose sinking 5 feet more during the coming hot weather, when it is anti-
cipated an abundant supply will be obtainable.
The whole area which this well can irrigate is now planted with guinea
grass in a thriving condition, which will yield sufficient green fodder for all
requirements throughout the year. One or two crops of jowári will be taken
off the remainder of the enclosure and should be sufficient to keep the bullocks
during the year. Some 120 grafted mangoes of the best varieties have been
planted in the enclosure; they are doing remarkably well and should be a source
of considerable income in a few years,
85. According to Government Resolution No. 2114, dated 24th March
1898, in the Revenue Department, complete control of the Padampur Kuran was
assumed by this Department at the end of the official year, and a contract entered
into by which the contractor engages to completely clean out all scrub jungle
by the roots, make the necessary gates and enclose the kuran by a cactus fence
impervious to cattle, on consideration that all cut wood becomes his property.
This arrangement is, I think, satisfactory, as it entails no further expense to