66
"In attempting to improve the breed of Thibetan mules, it should not be forgotten that we may possibly find
not only in the Thibetans themselves, but possibly the Chinese, competitors for the purchase of the improved
stock. Hence, while great advantage will accrue by improving the breed of mules in Thibet, I suggest we may
possibly be rewarded if mule-breeding in Sikkim be also encouraged as much as possible; for there, we may
control the export. I propose, as soon as my other duties permit, to visit Sikkim and to report specially on
this subject."
397, I certainly would not advocate our extending our mule operations
beyond Sikkim, One donkey has already been at work there, but the trial
proved a failure. This is stated to have been due to the fact that he was not
a ready coverer. Another good donkey has been trained and will be sent to
Sikkim, and I think we had better await the results before extending our
operations in that direction.
BALUCHISTAN.
Quetta Horse
Show.
398. This show was held on 7th, 8th, and 9th October 1896. This date
is too late to suit the Northern dealers who arrive in September; much corres-
pondence has taken place on this subject, and at last it has been decided to fix
the date for 14th September; this will suit the Northern dealers admirably, and
will also be better for the breeders who bring in indigenous stock, as they have
hitherto complained that the nights are too cold in October to allow them to
keep their stock out at night. The date now fixed will suit everybody who
now attends the fair, admirably. Bengal Cavalry officers have not to be con-
sidered, as they do not attend this fair, stating that they do not like the
Northern horse. I do not purpose entering into this question here, but would
invite reference to my remarks on the subject of this most important adjunct to
our remount resources, as contained in paras. 106 to 118.
399. There was a considerable increase in the number of locally bred
animals exhibited at the show, the numbers being:—
1894-95
1895-96
1896-97
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 333
. 241
. 399
This must be considered a most satisfactory increase and goes to prove
that in Quetta-Pishin we have a good field for horse-breeding. The largest
increases were in the classes for geldings, 2-year old fillies, and yearlings. Cas-
tration has made great strides during the past year, and in the yearling divi-
sion of this class, 65 competed against 3 last year.
400. The general run of all classes exhibited at the show is stated by
the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, to have been of a good stamp
and nice quality. This officer further notes that most of the stock was pro-
vided with produce certificates. This desirable end has at last been reached,
as last year it was next to impossible to trace the sire by which any of the
stock was got.
401. One hundred and nine remounts were purchased by Native Cavalry,
thirty-one by Zhob Levies, and two by Police. In addition to these, 20 head
of young stock were purchased by the Remount Agent.
402. The following notes made by purchasing officers, are of interest:—
Captain Birdwood, Remount Agent, states:—
"This fair I consider likely to become one of the best at which the Remount Agent for the Punjab
purchases young stock."
At the same time, however, he adds:—
"I consider that there is little, if any, improvement noticeable in the class of young stock purchased this
year over last year and the year before. There is a strong element of the Norfolk Trotter strain which is most
objectionable; the heavy shoulders, and short necks predominate, that I have only purchased 20 horses."
403. This officer must have patience; for the past three years, none but
really good horses have been sent to Baluchistan. In my last Annual Admin-
istration Report I remarked that:—
3 Thoroughbred English,
2 Thoroughbred Australians,
2 Arabs,