( 5 )
EXPERIMENTS AND INVESTIGATIONS.
30. Table XXIII shows that 12,829 head of cattle were immunised
during the year against rinderpest.
The other items given in this return are not reliable. In my opinion,
many more than 557 animals died during these outbreaks, and it is not im-
probable that a number of the 81 animals said to have died after they were
immunised succumbed to some other disease. Had serum been available, more
animals could have been treated.
The operations were very successful in putting a stop to the spread of
rinderpest. There was no friction between the operators and the owners of
cattle, though of course many people refused to have their cattle treated.
The Government of India recently decided that inoculation shall be
taught at Muktesar, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, in future.
31. Various other experiments were carried out.
CATTLE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
32. I visited the Sonepore, Suri, and Barrahpore fairs, but could not
visit the Kalimpong Fair as it clashed with Sonepore. The Kalimpong and
Khagra fairs were visited by the Inspectors. I have resommendecl that the
allotment of Rs. 250 for prizes for mules at Kalimpong shall cease. It has
served its purpose and has no longer any effect upon the class or number of
mules brought in. The money should be used to encourage mule-breeding at
Buxar. The Sitamarhi Fair was not visited owing to a misunderstanding as to
the date of the show.
CATTLE-BEEEDING .
33. During the year bulls and cows were supplied to the —
District Board, Balasore ... ...
Director of Land Records and Agriculture,
Assam
Krishnagar jail ... ... ...
1 Patna cross-bred.
1 bull and 5 cows (all Patna bred).
1 Behari (in exchange for a Hissar).
31. Requisitions for 15 bulls and cows were received from the various
Ward's Estates and District Boards, but they could not be complied with for
want of suitable animals. Having seen some promising young bulls in various
places I circulated a description of them amongst likely purchasers, but they
took so long to make up their minds that the young stock was mostly
otherwise dispersed and the opportunity lost.
35. Four Hissar bulls have been returned to Belgachia—two from the
Jaipur Government Estate, one from the Maldwar Estate, and one from the
Dhakbin-Shabazpur Estate, as they became impotent.
36. Cattle-breeding has begun on the Sripur Farm, but nothing is known
about the Pusa Farm. To revive the " Patna " breed of milch-cattle, two bulls
and four cows have been imported from Australia for the Sripur Farm. One bull
and one cow have died. Two Australian bulls have also been imported by the
District Board of Patna. I am glad to say that in respect of Patna cattle, both
as regards improving the breed and distributing stock, a tangible success may
be scored.
37. The Government of India have sanctioned tentatively for three
years commencing with the 1st October 1901, a scheme for improving cattle
by the systematic award of prizes at cattle fairs, and are prepared to give
Rs. 2,500 annually for the purpose. For some years money has been locally
collected and distributed in prizes at the various Shows and Fairs in Bengal,
and no doubt the subsidy now offered by the Imperial Government will encou-
rage local authorities to persevere. The value of this Imperial contribution
would be greatly enhanced if we were permitted to utilize any sums of money
not awarded in prizes owing to dearth of exhibits or other causes, for the
purchase and distribution of young bulls.
HORSE AND PONY BREEDING.
38. Buxar.—The Subdivisional Officer of Buxar reports that three mares
were covered by the District Board pony stallion " Ruby " against 19 in the
preceding year (Table V). The pony being too old, the mares covered by him