11
breeding that goes on in the district, as Punjabi dealers are constantly travelling
throughout Sind for the purpose of buying up all young mules and taking them
north, the result being that very few, over a certain age, are obtainable at these
shows. 27 were purchased by the Commissariat Department and 13 by Captain
Willis for regimental transport. A total number of 312 animals changed hands,
which is most satisfactory. 6 Khorásan donkeys were purchased by this Depart-
ment for stud purposes, and arrangements have been made to further extend the
trade.
General Remarks.—The show now held for the 19th time is slightly under
the average as to numbers and quality. The slight decrease in number is, however,
more probably due to the fact that great care was exercised in the classification,
and only animals fit to compete in the various classes were admitted to the show
ground. Something like 70 to 80 animals were for various reasons not classified,
so that the actual number cannot be taken as a sign that there was any great
falling off over former years. At Jacobabad during the past six years there have
been three shows, at each of which something like 1,400 animals have been
exhibited, and the highest number yet reached at Shikárpur has been 962. The
judges have carefully compared these figures for the last six years and are of
opinion that the time has now arrived for Government to definitely settle whether
the show is to be held permanently at Jocobabad or the present alternate arrange-
ment is to remain in force. There can be no doubt that Jacobabad is in every
way a more suitable centre for holding the show than Shikárpur, as the best
breeders are in that immediate district and it is also popular with the Beluchis
and other horse-breeding frontier tribes who are averse to attending the show
when held at Shikárpur.
Moro.
41. Commenced on the 3rd February 1896. The total number of animals
exhibited amounted to 782 against 1,155 last year. It
is to be regretted that the show clashed with the im-
portant religious festival held at Sehwan, and the decrease in the number of
exhibits is no doubt due to this fact. The show, however, was a success, as the
brood mares and the young stock were quite up to last year's standard, and all
the most important breeders attended.
Remounts—Good.
Only 18 were purchased this year against 72 last year.
The falling off is not to be attributed to any deficiency in the supply of animals
suitable for the purpose, but rather to the inability of several purchasing officers
to attend the show. The majority of the large number purchased last year were
bought for the Hyderabad Police. Arrangements will be made for the Remount
Agent to attend next year.
Mules—Good.
13 were purchased by the Commissariat Officer at Karáchi.
Talhár.
42. Commenced on the 12th February 1896. The total number exhibited
was 791 against 907 last year. This was due to care-
ful classification and to the large number of animals
not allowed to the show ground as being unfit for competition. The brood
mares compared very favourably with last year, and the class was most satis-
factory, this being the most important and essential feature of a young and
growing show. Mares were branded at the show for the first time, and Govern-
ment stallions placed in the district.
Mules.—The industry has been started by locating a donkey stallion in the
district.
Remounts.—Six remounts were purchased for the Hyderabad Police.
Bhúj.
43. Commenced on the 17th February 1896. The total number exhibited,
viz., 488 against 518 last year, shows a slight decrease,
due to the want of forage and great scarcity that has
prevailed in Cutch during the year. The animals were also shown in poor con-
dition. The young stock were good, but badly done. The Remount Agent pur-
chased 5 head of young stock for the Rearing Depôt.
Summary.
44. The total number of animals present at all horse-shows was 3,993
against 4,847 last year. The total expenses incurred on
account of these shows amounted to Rs. 20,405-10-10,