71
432. The brood mares are said to have shown a distinct improvement on
former years, both as to numbers and quality.
433. But the great point of interest connected with this show is mule-
breeding. On this point, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
states:—
"Vast strides have been made within the last three years in this industry, due to the commendable efforts of
Khan Bahadur Gulam Rasul Khan Jatoo, who not only keeps a Government donkey stallion at his village, but
also owns one. In the year 1895, one mule was exhibited, and in 1897, fifty-seven, the majority bred in the
immediate vicinity."
434. One point brought to notice in the Superintendent's report will
not be lost sight of by this Department.
It is the excellent class of
donkeys exhibited at the show, and as several of the best mares have been
covered by Government donkey stallions, it is to be hoped that some of the
produce will eventually turn out good enough for Government stallions. I
shall take an early opportunity of visiting this show.
435. Thirteen remounts were purchased.
Talhar Horse
Show.
436. This show is reported to have been a success. The brood mares
and three-year old fillies were exceptionally good. Many remounts fit for
Police are stated to have been present, and the Superintendent, Civil Veteri-
nary Department, hopes that mule-breeding, now fairly started, will flourish
and become popular in a year or so. Two donkey stallions now stand in the
district. Eleven remounts were purchased.
Bhuj Horse
Show.
437. This show does not appear to make any progress. The brood mares
and young stock are reported as bad, not up to the average of former years;
they were also shown in poor condition. The prices asked were exorbitant,
and the Remount Agent was unable to buy a single head of young stock for
the Rearing Depôt.
438. I have already alluded to the recommendations made by me (para-
graph 52, page 9), for the transfer of Bombay horse and mule-breeding
from Provincial to Imperial control, but with special reference to the transfer
of Sind to the supervision of the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, Baluchistan, I think that a consideration of the foregoing review of
Horse Shows held in the Presidency and Sind, will prove, that the most impor-
tant tract of country, and one which should be developed without delay, is that
comprised in the last named Province. I have already shown that the Director
of Land Records, Bombay, is of opinion that the Superintendent, Civil Veteri-
nary Department, Bombay, cannot inspect the whole of his charge during
each year, and during the year under review, I find that, owing to circum-
stances over which he had no control, he was only able to spend one month in
this Province and that, during this time, he only attended the Horse Shows.
Development cannot be expected under these circumstances, and I trust soon
to see Sind transferred to Baluchistan for horse and mule-breeding purposes.
MADRAS.
439. Pony-breeding in Madras is confined to the districts of Coimbatore
and Salem, in each of which a show is held annually. Breeding is in a much
more advanced stage in the former, than in the latter district.
Tiruppur Pony
Show.
440. This show was held at Tiruppur (Coimbatore district) on 28th May
1896. The Judging Committee consisted of:—
Lieutenant-Colonel E. Chalmers, Superintendent, Remount Depôt,
Hosur.
Veterinary Captain Hazelton, Army Veterinary Department.
441. The Committee reports as follows on the show:—
"The judges were very pleased with the show on the whole. They consider a marked improvement to have
taken place since last year, especially in the classes of mares in foal, or with foals at foot, and the colts under
24 months. A really fine class of brood mares was brought before them, their foals showing great promise, the
contrast between them and the ordinary ponies of the district being remarkable.
"The colt class was good, two especially so, the older of the two which was under 24 months old, measured
14-1 in height, 7 inches below the knee, and was quite equal to the requirements of Government for remount
purposes, not only as to measurements, but also that he is a short-backed, shapely colt, showing plenty of
quality.