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the Government of Madras that a few prizes be reserved for such mares as are
covered by donkeys, as naturally the best are put to ponies, and it is not feasible to
expect the former to compete with the latter.
458. Mule-breeding may be said to be a new industry in Madras, and it is
a beginning to find that "one poor mare with very good mule foal" was awarded
a prize.
459. The Acting Collector of Salem, in his report, makes the following
suggestion:—
Possibly if some full grown and working mules could be marched about with the donkey stallions, and their
-stamina and usefulness thereby shown to the ryots, it might encourage much breeding. 1 beg to suggest this
may be done.
460. The Government of Madras has agreed to exhibit mules at these Shows,
and I feel certain that this will have the desired effect of encouraging mule-breeding.
Tirrupur Pony
Show.
461. This Show was held on the 20th May 1897, the Judges being:—
Captain R. S. Alexander, Officiating Superintendent, Reserve Remount
Depôt, Hosur.
Veterinary-Lieutenant Shore, Army Veterinary Department.
462. This Show appears to gain in popularity and in the quality of its
exhibits every year. In the most important class, viz: Brood mares covered or
with foal at foot by Government sires, 48 competed against 19 last year, the
greatest number of competitors during the last 4 years having been 30.
463. The colts although more numerous were not of such good quality nor
were they so well cared for as the fillies. Not only is this noticeable in Madras,
but all over India. One reason being I think that the fillies being more docile are
allowed more liberty.
464. The Committee state:—
The Show was a success and great interest seemed to be taken in it locally. The Collector of the district and
all his assistants were present. The stallions were all paraded after prize distribution and appear to be quite suit-
able for the requirements of this district.
465. I regret to find by the Collector's report that there appears to be a
strong prejudice against castration, especially in the plain portion of the district.
466. Mule-breeding is slowly but surely getting a hold in the Madras
Presidency and I trust that the Superintendent is watching and fostering this
important industry. The Collector brings to notice the fact that one mule was
present "outside the Show" and apparently was sold. He also states 2 mares
belonging to ryots in the plain had been allowed to be served by the donkey
stallions, which he remarks is a distinct advance upon anything that has been
achieved in this direction before.
467. Two points strike me with reference to the above remarks. Mule-
breeding is in its infancy in the Madras Presidency; this mule should, in my opinion,
have been inside and not outside the Show, and if foaled in the district, should have
been awarded a substantial prize. A class for mares that have been covered by
donkey stallions should be added to the prospectus. These points will be brought
to the notice of the Madras Government.
Amount awarded
as prizes at
Horse Shows.
468. The sum of Rs. 21,500 was allotted in the Budget of this Department
for prizes to be awarded at the various Horse Shows. Of this sum Rs. 500 cannot
properly be said to be devoted to the encouragement of horse-breeding, as it is
allotted to the Kalimpong Fair to encourage the importation of Thibetan mules.
469. At the earnest solicitation of the Amritsar District Authorities, the sum
of Rs. 300 has been restored for prizes, but I doubt that it will prove of much use;
still, as the Municipality expressed their willingness to contribute a similar amount,
this small sum was, with the sanction of the Government of India, allotted. It was
also deemed necessary to increase the contribution to Multan by Rs. 200, owing
to the development of the Show.
470. The sum of Rs. 150 was also allotted to Quetta in addition to the
amount previously given in order to encourage the importation of the remount
generally known as the Northern Horse, and on which the 5th, 6th, and 7th
Bombay Cavalry so largely depend to remount themselves.