119
British territory, mainly from the Ferozepore district, are bringing V. I.
mares to be served by them. As these breeders are entitled to the use of Gov-
ernment stallions gratis, and as these are to be found in every Tehsil of that
district, I recommended that a fee of Rs. 2 should be levied from such, as it
frequently prevented mares branded by the State, receiving the services of the
stallions.
644. Mule-breeding is becoming very popular, and soon it will be neces-
sary to obtain another donkey, as the one now employed had covered 54
mares from 1st April to 12th November 1896.
645. As usual, a collection of mares and young stock was held during the
Dassehrah, and a large sum was awarded in prizes. This will do much to
encourage the breeders in this State.
646. The Run that was proposed to be started was still held in abeyance;
this was mainly due to the scanty rainfall, but the Raja of Faridkot is keenly
alive to the advisability of placing the best young stock bred in the State in a
Run, and the matter will receive his attention as soon as possible.
647. As an addendum to this review, I am able just before sending this
report to the Press to state that 97 mares have been covered by the Arab stal-
lions, and 83 by the country stallions, which are very good of their class.
Eighty-eight were covered by the donkey stallion. There are 148 mares, the
property of zemindars, branded in the State. The young stock by the Arab
stallions have been inspected by the Raja of Faridkot, who reports that they
are satisfactory and liked by him.
Bhopal.
648. In last year's report I stated that I was unable to visit this State;
this, however, I did whilst proceeding to Bombay this year. During my visit
I had a long interview with Major Meade, the Political Agent, and other
Native officials of the State, when it was decided, as a preliminary measure, to
ask the Durbar to afford the following information :—
(a) The approximate number of mares to be found in each district; some
idea being given as to their height.
(b) Whether the ryots are fond of breeding horses, or whether there
are any to be found, as in other States, who purchase young
stock and rear it.
With this information at hand, I would be able to advise the State whether
it would be of any use to commence operations, and if so, with what class of
stallion.
In my letter to the Political Agent, it is stated:—
"Even taking it for granted that the zemindars only keep small mares, this need not preclude something
being done, as by improving the pony stock of the country, we are increasing the supply of Transport, which is
necessary to all States, such as Bhopal, possessing Imperial Service Troops."
I further informed the Durbar of the efforts being made by the Madras
Government to improve the breed of ponies, where the average height of the
mares is only about 12 hands 1 inch, by providing good Arab ponies not ex-
ceeding 13-2 in height, I did this as I am of opinion that the majority of
mares in Central India are small, but this cannot be definitely stated until we
receive the information asked for, which has been delayed owing to the death
of the late Minister.
Gwalior.
649. In last year's report I drew attèntion to the fact that the Inspecting
Officer. Central India States Imperial Service Cavalry, had brought to notice
the existence of a Horse Fair held in this State, and stated that he was able to
purchase 16 remounts, and this officer further suggested that this fair should
be included in the list published by this Department. This was consequently
done, and I attended this show which was held from 5th to 15th December
1896. Unfortunately, it clashed with the visit of His Excellency the Viceroy,
and consequently the Resident and most of the officials were at Ujjain. This
may have accounted for its failure, but the impression left on my mind was
that the Gwalior Horse Fair could not be said to have been established on any
firm basis. As far as I could see, the horses that are brought to it, are the
property of Kerauli and Gurriani dealers who have sold all their best at
Amritsar and Batesar. They informed me that little inducement was held
out to them to attend this fair, as the market was very uncertain, and, in