120
connection with this, I might mention that not a single purchasing officer was
present; these dealers also informed me that no prizes are offered by the
Durbar as is done at Ulwar and Jeypur, where Rs. 800 and Rs. 1,000 respect-
ively are awarded annually by the Durbars. Whilst in this State, I had the
pleasure of an interview with Major MacIvor, the Resident; this officer is
very keen on horse-breeding, and did much to foster the industry whilst Poli-
tical Agent, Thal-Chotiali, Baluchistan.
650. I found that an attempt had been made to revive the old stud which
I was informed had previously existed in the State; this was being done by Dr.
Crofts and, as I stated in my letter to the Resident, I would have hesitated to
make the following remarks did I not know that they were shared by that officer.
I pointed out that to ensure success, either as a financial measure or as one of
utility, good mares and stallions must be obtained, and as the small stud does
not contain these, failure must result. If it is decided to make a commence-
ment, I recommended that it should be done on a small scale, and that 50 good
mares should be obtained, and one of the best Arab stallions that money could
buy, should be purchased; this Arab, together with one of the Australians now
at stud work, would suffice to cover the 50 mares above alluded to, and any
others in the State from which it is thought advisable to breed.
651. I also pointed out the advisability of improving the horse stock of
the State generally, especially as in such a large State an enormous number
of horses are required annually for His Highness the Maharaja's own troops,
the Imperial Service Cavalry, and for the Transport Corps. At present Gwalior
is entirely dependent on Australians, Arabs, or horses bred in British territory,
and therefore I suggested for the consideration of the Durbar that a com-
mencement should be made in two districts, those being selected which possess
the best mares.
652. If only an improvement were made in the breed of ponies, and that
the Transport Corps were able to meet its requirements from the State, I feel
that something would have been accomplished.
These points are now being considered by the Durbar.
Bahawalpore.
653. I visited this State in November 1896, and had interviews with the
Nawab and Sayed Ibrahim Ali, Wazir of the State, to both of whom this
Department is indebted for the cordial manner in which they have assisted in
the development of horse and mule-breeding.
654. This State has suffered greatly from scarcity of fodder, and in fact
to such an extent that the Horse Fair held annually at Bahawalpore had to be
abandoned; it is therefore all the more satisfactory to find that the number of
mares covered, both by horse and donkey stallions, is in excess of the number
covered last year. The numbers being as follows :—
Covered by horse stallions
„
by donkey stallions
. .
. .
. .
. .
1895-96.
. 186
.
78
1896-97.
205
110
This proves conclusively that the zemindars recognise the value of the
horse stallions supplied by the State.
655. Mule-breeding is fast becoming popular. This industry is still in its
infancy and has before it a great future.
656. Arrangements for ensuring reports of results of the previous year's
coverings are not yet complete. On this occasion, results are wanting from five
Tehsils, still we have evidence of 53 foals having been dropped. On this point
the Wazir states:—
" Fresh instructions of a comprehensive character have recently been issued to the various Kardars, and I
hope to give you fuller information in future."
657. In last year's report I showed how advantageous it would be for the
State if the Stud was abolished. I regret to find that its abolition, which had
been decided on, has not been carried into effect. If it is deemed advisable
to maintain a Stud in this State, it would be necessary to get rid of all the
stock and to commence afresh; but I would hesitate greatly before I advised
such an expensive undertaking, as I am very doubtful of its success. The
Wazir fully confirms my opinion, as, in his report, he states:—
"I regret that the condition of the Stud maintained by the State is not as satisfactory as could be desired"