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80. If it is not subjected to floods during the rains it will be very suitable
for the purpose, as there is such a large grazing area. Part of the high land has
been already broken up and is being made ready for forage crops.
81. A large portion of the grass jungle has also been burnt and the area
so cleared is now much freer from ticks, from the attacks of which the cattle
suffered severely when first placed there. The extension of cultivation will, I
hope, eradicate them within a few years.
Arrangements have been made for the feeding of the cattle, but these are
not yet satisfactory; grass sheds have also been erected,
82. The herd of 45 cows is inadequate for such a large estate as Bettiah
and should be increased to at least 150; a herd of this size will require special
supervision which should be in the hands of a European Superintendent
acquainted with the conditions prevailing in Bihar. With the Siripur Farm
as a model there does not appear to be any reason why the Bettiah Farm
should not succeed if it is placed in charge of a person who can devote the
greater part of his time to the work.
83. During the coming cold weather it is hoped that a number of Delhi
buffalo bull calves will be purchased for the purpose of improving the local
breed of buffalos on the estate.
84. Kalimpong.—At the beginning of the year there were 18 cows at this
farm; of these one cow was lost in the forest and two died suddenly
Post-mortem examinations were made, but no specific cause of death could be
found. There were thus at the end of the year 15 cows in the herd. One
bull was purchased from Rai Ugan Kazi Bahadur in February last and by
him most of the cows have been served. He is not good looking, but was the
best of a large number which was brought from Bhutan. The same agent
has been asked to bring over another batch so that we may be able to get some
really useful animals for the farm and for Darjeeling. The expenditure of the
farm for the year amounted to Rs. 581 only.
85. Horse and Pony Stallions.—Tables 10 and 11 show the number and
working of the pony stallions in the province. At the beginning of last year
there was only one stallion, viz., at Hathwa, but another Arab was purchased
by the Manager of the Dumraon Raj estate from Colonel Anderson of the
Byculla stable, Bombay, at a cost of Rs. 750. He is a real good stamp, but
so far he has served no mares at Dumraon ; the Manager intends sending him
to three or four stations this year, under charge of the Veterinary Assistant
of Buxar with a view to making him known to the tenants. Service is free.
FAIRS AND SHOWS.
86. Tables 18 and 14 show the number of fairs held during the year.
All these were as usual inspected either by myself, the Inspectors or Local
Veterinary Assistants, Sonepur was not inspected by me as I was on leave.
Two Inspectors with the help of four Veterinary Assistants were deputed by
Colonel Raymond to take charge of the fair. Only one elephant could be
purchased for the Madras Government although five were required by
them. High prices ruled owing to the presence of the Agent of the Amir of
Kabul, by whom a large number were purchased. Barrahpore show was
abandoned this year owing to an outbreak of plague. I attended the Bitha
fair and was glad to find that it has improved. Pucca sheds and show rings
have been provided by the zamindar on whose land the fair is held, and
through his influence and the energy of Babu Debi Lal, the show has been
so successful. Muzaffarpur show was not a great success. No cattle show
was held at the Bankipore Exhibition for want of funds. Suggestions to
the Chairmen of the District Boards and new rules for Veterinary Assistants
attending fairs have been circulated.
87. The notice of District Boards has been specially drawn to the help
which Veterinary Assistants can give to shows by circulating programmes, and
instructing villagers on the advantages of sending their cattle for exhibition.
Lectures were given at the shows and fairs on cattle-breeding and cattle
diseases by the staff of the Department and were much appreciated and well
attended.
BITING PLIES.
88. The work of collecting biting flies continued during the year, and
a large number of specimens some of them very interesting were secured.
Two prizes of Rs. 30 and Rs. 15 were offered for the best collections.