117
697. Mule-breeding is very popular and more stallions are required; the
purchase of one for this year has been sanctioned, but here again I am crippled
by not being able to obtain any good Jacks.
698. Stables are now built at all the tehsils, and the State may be said
to be thoroughly equipped. Only let the present policy be continued for 10
years, on the understanding that none but Arab sires are used, and I will
guarantee that the indigenous stock of the Kapurthala State will not be,
recognizable.
699. Two-hundred and fifty-seven (257) mares were covered by horse
stallions. Four horses were employed during the whole year. These covered
an average of 57 mares each.
700. Four donkey stallions were also employed, covering an average
55 mares each.
701. Sixty-two (62) head of young stock by the horse stallions, and 42
mules are known to have been foaled during the year.
702. As usual, a Horse Show was held on 25th and 26th February 1898.
It was attended by the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South
Punjab; 191 mares and stock competed; this shows a reduction of 41 on last
year when 232 were exhibited. This is said to be due to the famine which
existed in the early part of last year.
703. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, reports most
favorably of the stock seen at this Show. He adds:—
The Arab was the class of sire which produced most prize winnors, 'Etah' State Arab alone taking 19.
This stallion has brought about a wonderful improvement in the horse stock of the State.
Sixteen mules competed; a very good class indeed running from 1½ to 2 years old. Three promised to be
suitable for Ordnance purpose.
A few nice remounts might have been obtained at this Show.
704 A consideration of the above remarks will show what good is being
done in this State, and I am pleased to be able to state that His Honor the
Lieutenant-Governor, on the receipt of my report showing what has been done
for the promotion of horse and mule-breeding, was pleased to congratulate
His Highness and the State Officials on the success attending their efforts in
this direction.
Nabha.
705. Nothing is done in this State as far as this Department is concerned.
His Highness the Rajah of Nabha is, however, very fond of horses, but
prefers Country-bred sires.
706. It is, however, pleasing to note that a Fair was held at Jaitu in this
State, and that the 17th Bengal Cavalry were able to obtain 12 remounts, of
which 9 were 4 years of age and upwards, the average price being only
Rs. 213.
Captain Burton, who purchasd at this Fair, states:—
The remounts were of fair quality and bought at a very low figure. There were not enough horses to
supply more remounts than the few bought. There was no competition or the prices would have ruled higher.
Some very good mules were observed, but all but one were 2 and 3 years of age. There were some dozen
youngsters by Government sires; some good.
The Fair is too small to make it worth the while of more than one regiment to send a Remount party.
If more than one were to visit the Fair, they would return disappointed.
Patiala.
707. I fear that I can report but little progress made in this State.
Much might be done to improve the indigenous breed of horses, and to
encourage mule-breeding. What is required is a system whereby a horse and
donkey stallion should stand in each of the best tehsils.
708. To quote the Wazir's words, contained in the Annual Administration
Report of this Department, for last year:—
Orders have been received to arrange for stands in more convenient and well populated districts, and most
probably Sirhind, Bani and Rajpura will be supplied with a horse and pony each after the first fall of rain.
709. Relying on the above I was greatly disappointed to find that
nothing had been done. At an interview with His Highness the Maharajah, I
explained to him what good could be done at little expense to the State, and
he kindly promised that horses should be supplied to the tehsils. I only
trust that this will be carried into effect, and relying on His Highness' promise,
I drew up a scheme showing how it should be worked.