22
2 young calves died. Besides the above there was a slight mortality on account
of general weakness and old age. During the year under report 23 farm-bred
bulls, 1 cow and 1 heifer were sold realising a sum of Rs. 3,760 against 9 bulls
sold last year. A scheme for taking in bullocks of the neighbouring villages
with a view to preserve them from famine was under contemplation but this
had to be abandoned on account of scarcity of water, but owners of 256 head
of cattle were supplied with 1,000 lbs. of hay per head on payment of Rs. 10
each. Seventeen bulls belonging to the District Local-Boards of Ahmedabad
and Kaira are now being maintained, to be returned when more favourable
conditions prevail, on the farm. During the year under report the following
improvements have been carried out on the farm:—
(a) A bandh has been constructed all round the boundary fence.
It is proposed to plant this with cactus, thus forming a permanent fence
and minimising the danger of fire from outside.
(b) The two Dutch barns have been extended on either side, increasing
their capacity for holding hay from 450,000 lbs. to 800,000 lbs.
(c) A portion of the money allotted for haymaking was utilised to
clear and level the land where the grass is cut. This is done with the
view of working a mowing machine on it in future, and thus reducing the
cost of cutting.
(d) The farm has been marked out into 8 blocks and boundary posts
put in.
(e) A new road is being constructed from the farm buildings to the
entrance gate, the old one being liable to flood in the monsoon.
(f) A new well is being dug on the southern part of the farm as a
reserve, as one of the present wells began to fail.
(g) The two public roads passing through the farm have been perma-
nently closed and a new road given to the public by removing wire fencing
33 feet inwards on the eastern side of the farm.
(h) A school has been opened in the farm buildings for the education
of the children of the farm employes.
(i) The posts of clerk and salutri have been amalgamated, thereby
saving an expenditure of Rs. 25 per mensem.
(j) As the Farm was rapidly being overrun with scrub jungle this
matter was taken in hand and some 500 acres have been cleared. This
work will be continued next hot weather.
The buildings sanctioned in Government Resolution, Revenue Department,
No. 3619, dated 6th April 1908, have been completed and the Public Works
Department handed them over to this Department in the beginning of the year
under report. The farm land is now permanently acquired under the Land
Acquisition Act and has been named Northcote Pura by Government.
(2).—EQUINES.
(1) Horse and Pony Stallions.
14. At the commencement of the year there were 40 stallions on the
register, 13 horses and 27 ponies against 35 consisting of 9 horses and 26 ponies
at the present time. This decrease is owing to several stands having been
abolished, and the old and worn out horses destroyed. These 35 stallions are
distributed as follows:—24 in the Deccan and 11 in Gujarát. The number of
stallions actually employed at stud throughout the year was 33.07 against 28.41
last year. The total number of mares covered was 1,382 against 1,225 last year
or an average of 41.79 against 43.12 last year. The average in the Deccan was
40.47 against 39.72 and in the Gujarat 45.08 against 49.17.
During the year 6 stallions were destroyed, 1 sold, 1 transferred to Army
Remount Department, 1 lent to the Vánkaner State, and 3 purchased.