61
352. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states:—
"Class I (a) Branded mares.—One hundred and fifty nice mares competed in this class against 71 last year.
a large increase. They presented a fine appearance, and the Judging Committee had a lot of difficulty in separating
the prize winners. This class left little to be desired, but for the fact that by far the greater number showed the
heavy top and thick short fore hand so distinctive of Norfolk Trotter blood, which has ruined the quality of
the mares in this fine breeding district, and which will require generations of good Australian or thoroughbred
blood to entirely eradicate.
"Class I (b) Mares with foal at foot.—Twenty-two competed for 11 prizes. The foals at foot were a promis-
ing lot, and I was pleased to note that 9 out of the 11 prize winners were by thoroughbreds or Arabs, two only
going to the produce of Norfolk Trotter sires.
"Class II, Branded Fillies.—Thirty-three competed against 24 last year. It is instructive to note that as
we approach the younger generations, the produce of thoroughbreds entirely pushes the young stock by Nor-
folk Trotters and Hackneys out of the prize lists, with a few exceptions, such as, the get of ' Delight' Norfolk
Trotter, whose stock always shows quality.
"Class III, Fillies 2 and 3 years old.—The two-year-olds were a better lot in quality than the 3-year olds
A 2-year old filly by ' Zoophyte' Thoroughbred, which had already taken the first prize in Class II, being a love-
ly mare and by far the nicest country bred I have seen."
353. The number of horses actually present was greater than it has been
for the last five years, and shows an increase of 65 over last year.
354. The extraordinary point is the increase in the number that competed
for prizes, showing, as it did, an increase of 210 over last year. With the
great scarcity of fodder which has existed in this district, one would have
thought that, owing to the difficulty of getting animals into condition fit to
enter a show ring, the numbers would have been less; it is, however, encourag-
ing to see that this was not so. This leads me to note a most marked revival
in interest in horse-breeding in this district during the last two or three years;
this was due to the interest taken in the matter by Mr. Beckett, late Deputy
Commissioner, which interest will, I feel assured, be maintained by his succes.
sor, Mr. Wilson.
355. One of the most interesting features of this show, to any one inter-
ested in the development of horse-breeding, was the fact that 84 head of stock
by District Board stallions competed, against 43 last year. On this point, the
Deputy Commissioner states:—
"The stock got by the seven District Board Arab stallions is very promising and shows a marked improve-
ment on the indigenous blood."
356. Remounts.—Only one head of stock was purchased by the Remount
Agent; this is very disappointing, as many more could have been obtained, if
they had been required. Twelve remounts were purchased for Native Cavalry.
357. Mules.—The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, states:—
"Eighty-eight Ordnance mules competed for prizes. They were really a very good lot, combining size and
power."
358. The Judging Committee report these mules as being "a very good
class." I can corroborate the above statements, having seen the mules myself,
and notwithstanding their good quality, only three were bought by the
Remount Agent for Ordnance purposes. This is very discouraging, and if this
policy is continued, it must have a most deleterious effect on the mule-breeding
industry in this country, and will, I fear, ultimately lead to our having to
obtain our supply from other countries; if, however, a continuous policy of
purchasing two or three year old mules is adopted, we will be able to supply
all the mules that are required by the Mountain Batteries in India.
359. As bearing on this point, the fact that sale cannot be effected in
India, is evidently leading to the exportation of mules beyond our borders.
On this point, the Deputy Commissioner states:—
"A large number of mules and some donkey stallions were purchased by buyers from Swat and Boner,
where apparently the advantages of mule-breeding are becoming known, probably owing to the demand
for transport to Chitral. Enquiry is being made on this point."
360. Donkey breeding.—The improvement of the indigenous donkey stock
of this district is most marked. I was able to purchase 10 donkey colts which
will turn into good stallions.
361. In conclusion of the above review of the Rawalpindi Fair, I must
note how deeply indebted this Department is to Mr. Wilson, the Deputy Com-
missioner, for the great interest he is taking to encourage horse and mule-
breeding, and to Mr. Francis, the Secretary of the District Board, for the
manner in which all arrangements connected with the Fair were carried out.