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General Remarks.—The show taken throughout cannot be considered to
have been as successful as in former years, although it is satisfactory to note that
this is the first show in which it was made compulsory to produce covering and
foaling certificates. This, with one or two exceptions, was done without any
difficulty, and it is to be hoped that the system once established will be strictly
adhered to in the future. The arrangements of the show were good and success-
fully carried out.
Talhár.
50. Commenced on the 24th January 1898. The total number of exhi-
bits amounted to 823 against 791 last year, a very
satisfactory increase, taking into consideration the
strict and careful way that animals were classified, and only those fit to compete
were allowed on the show ground. With 77 mares in foal to Government stal-
lions, 19 young stock sired by Government horses, besides the mares in foal to
donkey stallions, the prospects of this district are distinctly encouraging.
The object of the show seems to be better understood, certificates of cover-
ing and foaling were readily produced, and mares willingly brought to be branded.
Since last year the stallions have all been placed in charge of selected Zámin-
dárs of position and the results have fully justified the course. Two of the
stallions " Spero " and " Madina " had to be closed before the date of the show
owing to having completed their full complement of mares, and owing to financial
difficulties with the Local Board I was unable to send more stallions, and it is to
be hoped that this difficulty will soon be overcome and the desirable increase of
stallion power sanctioned.
Classes—Brood Mares (of which 434 were exhibited) very good.
Class I (85 exhibits).—All the mares in this class were in foal to Gov-
ernment stallions, showing a great and rapid improvement on last year, when
only 10 mares were exhibited in foal to Government stallions.
Young Stock.—Very promising, representing the first get of Government
stallions in this district.
Remounts.—A large and good class, with a very large percentage fit for
police remounts. Seventeen were purchased for the Sind Police.
Mules and Mule-breeding.—The industry has taken root rapidly and
promises to flourish. Young mules bred in the district were exhibited for the
first time at the show, and the size and quality of the mares covered by donkey
stallions is very encouraging. In 1895-96 five mules were exhibited and 28 at
the present show. The large and excellent class of donkeys is also a point
worthy of note in this district.
General Remarks.—The show taken throughout was the most sucessful
one ever held. The prejudice against the brand has gradually been overcome,
and I think that I may safely say that horse and mule-breeding operations
which have started so favourably in this district hold out every promise of
success in the future. My warmest thanks are due to Mr. B. A. Brendon,
Assistant Collector, for the hearty and ready support which he has always
afforded me, and he is to be congratulated on the success which has attained his
energetic efforts to promote horse and mule-breeding in his sub-division.
Junágad (Káthiáwár).
51. Held at the Junágad State Paddock and commenced on the 10th
March 1898. The total number of animals exhibited
amounted to 255.
Classes.—The brood mares exhibited by breeders were light-boned, old and
very unsound ; the Darbár mares good.
Young Stock.—The young stock exhibited by breeders were small, badly
grown, suffering from want of liberty. The Darbár stock well grown and very
promising.
Remounts.—A few suitable for Police, but none for Cavalry.
General Remarks.—The show taken throughout was not as successful as
the one held at Bhávnagar, as the animals exhibited by breeders were, in the
majority of cases, old and very unsound ; the Darbár stock, on the contrary, very
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