40
also paying for the feed of the stallions, is mainly confined to the North-Western
Provinces, although it exists to a certain extent in the Punjab and in a modified
form in Baluchistan.
208. In the North-Western Provinces, thanks to the careful supervision
and determination of Veterinary-Lieutenant Loughlin, which is strictly being
continued by Veterinary-Captain Ringe, much more satisfactory results are
obtained, and not nearly as many horses are returned in bad condition as formerly.
The coverings at the stands are better and as an incentive to the Darindah who
can conclusively prove that he has had the greatest number of mares covered at
his stand and who at the same time brings in his stallions in the best condition,
a Medal is to be awarded in July next when the stallions return to the Depôt.
209. I have said that the Darindah system exists in a modified form
in Baluchistan. In this Province it is found necessary to entrust the stallions
in many cases to the Chiefs, and I am sorry to say that in some instances they are
neglected, especially is this the case with Sardar Kaiser Khan of Jhall and to a
lesser extent with Sardar Sohrab Khan of Lehri. In their hands many
Government stallions have suffered. I brought this to the notice of the Agent
to the Governor-General when at Sibi, and I trust to see an improvement in
future.
210. In the South Punjab but few Darindahs are in charge of stallions,
they as a rule being placed in the hands of the Civil Authorities, still we find the
following remarks made by the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department of
the Circle:—
Four stallions stationed at Hodal, in charge of a Darindah, were so much neglected that they had to be
removed to the Depot in June 1897 for conditioning. They were returned to him in August but had to be
again removed in February 1898, though in the meantime he had been several times warned to take better care
of them.
Castration.
211. Table XIII will show the number of equine stock castrated by
Imperial Salutries. Comparing last year with this, we find the following results:—
North-Western Provinces and Oudh ...... ......
North Punjab ...... ...... ...... ......
South Punjab ...... ...... ...... ......
Baluchistan ...... ...... ...... ......
Bombay ...... ...... ...... ......
1896-97.
499
204
554
158
1,475
148
1897-98.
477
313
600
294
1,084
87
The above shows a satisfactory increase especially during a year when the
stock was so impoverished that owners preferred to defer the operation to such
time as an improvement could be made in the condition of their colts.
The increase, in such an important breeding Province as Baluchistan, is very
satisfactory, and I trust that it will be maintained.
212. The falling off in Bombay is to be deplored, especially so in Sind
where only 13 colts were castrated. I have refrained from asking Government
to appoint Salutris as it was necessary to appoint Zilladars, and I did not consider
it advisable to increase expenditure too greatly during the first year of Imperial
control, but it will be necessary to apply for sanction to the appointment of 4
Salutris next year.
213. In order to draw a more correct comparison between the two years,
it is well to add the number of equine stock castrated by the District Board
Salutris (Table L).
Castrated by Veterinary Assistant paid from Local Funds.
North-Western Provinces and Oudh
North Punjab ...... ...... ...... ......
South Punjab ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......
Baluchistan ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......
Central Provinces ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......
Madras ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......
1896-97.
145
540
679
234
188
1,786
1897-98.
145
469
498
54
7
310
1,483