108
GENERAL REMARKS.
Horse breeding
in Ajmere-Mer-
wara.
565. It is a matter that has always astonished me that in a country where
the inhabitants are really lovers of a horse, horse-breeding has never taken
any hold. Last year I had to report failure as far as one stallion stationed at
Kekri was concerned, and again this year only 18 mares have been served by
him, and the percentage covered by the two horses—the second being at
Ajmere—is higher than it has been before. In 1894-95, it was 12, last year 27,
whilst this year it has reached 31.
566. In last Annual Report, I stated that it would have to be carefully
considered whether one stallion would have to be removed. I always hesitate
to do this, hoping that things will mend, and so great is the demand for horses,
not only for army purposes, but also for the general public, that any new
centre which is capable of adding to the supply is always a distinct gain.
567. During the present year, Veterinary Captain Hagger, the Principal,
Rajputana Veterinary School, has toured in the district for the first time; this,
I feel positive, will have a beneficial effect.
568. In his report, Veterinary Captain Hagger states :—
"The number of coverings by 'Seoni'was less than half that required by regulations. It is difficult to
understand why the services of this horse are not in greater request by the Thakurs of whom there are a large
number in the district. From what I could ascertain, however, when on tour in that part, some of them were
under the impression that when removed from Deoli the horse had left the district altogether, and those who
knew that he was standing at Kekri did not appear to understand that his services were available on the same
terms as before; but when informed that they were still free to make use of the horse, expressed their readiness
to do so. Under these circumstances, I would recommend that he be given another year's trial."
569. Branding of mares is not carried out in the case of the Arab "Seoni"
stationed at Kekri, although it is in Ajmere. The stock of these two horses
is promising, as will be seen by Veterinary Captain Hagger's report under this
heading:—
"During my two tours in the Kekri district, I inspected some young stock by 'Seoni' and considered that
many of them, particularly the fillies, showed promise of developing into very useful horses. The same may be
said of 'Purwana's' progeny, some of which were at Pushkar Fair, where I saw nine very promising foals by
him. Owners in the neighbourhood of Ajmere seem to be quite alive to the advantages of getting stock by
Government stallions, and breeding will, it is hoped, increase in the district. As evidence that some progress
has been made in the industry, I may mention that for the first time on record there was a separate class for
branded mares and their foals by Government sires at the show held in connection with the Pushkar Fair in
October 1896, on which occasion Colonel Thornton, Commissioner of Ajmere-Merwara, directed that, with a
view of encouraging more owners to breed from their mares, a sum of R150 from the prize fund should be
awarded as prizes for foals by Government sires out of branded mares.
Taken altogether, I think horse-breeding in Ajmere-Merwara is more pro-
mising this year than I have ever known it.
570. During the year, Veterinary Captain Hagger, in addition to perform-
ing his duties as Principal of the Rajputana Veterinary School, attended the
Tezaji and Pushkar Fairs; he also visited the Native States of Ulwar, Jeypore
and Bhurtpore, and made a short tour through Ajmere-Merwara.
Horse
and
Mule-breeding
in Central
Provinces.
571. For the first time I am able to afford some reliable information on
the subject of horse and mule-breeding in the Central Provinces and their
prospects; this is attributable to the zeal and energy displayed by Veterinary
Lieutenant Trydell, who, on appointment as Reserve Furlough Officer in May
last, was posted to the Central Provinces.
572. The number of stallions employed in the Central Provinces is four;
no changes took place during the year under review. The total number of
mares covered was 138, giving an average of 34.5 per stallion employed, as
against 25.75 last year.
573. The horse-breeding districts of the Central Provinces are said to be
Damoh, Saugor, and Narsinghpur; and Veterinary Lieutenant Trydell is of
opinion that in these three districts, not more than 335 mares are fit for horse-
breeding.
574. Mule-breeding was commenced in May 1896, a Persian donkey being
sent to Saugor; as this donkey covered 62 mares in the eleven months during
which he was employed, the prospects of mule-breeding in Central Provinces
must be looked upon as very encouraging.