57
an Officer of the Civil Veterinary Department. By the Deputy Commissioner's
report it would appear that an idea has got abroad that the owner of a
mare receiving such a certificate is required to give a stamped agreement that
he will pay R20 to Government if his mare is not passed or branded by the
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, on his next visit. The rule is
quite clear, and the only promise enacted from an owner is that he will bring
the mare for inspection on the first visit of an Officer of the Civil Veterinary
Department, to the district. If the owner fulfils his promise, he is charged
nothing whether the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, passes his
mare or not.
320. I have addressed the Director of Land Records and Agriculture,
Punjab, on this subject, and have asked him to kindly draw the attention of
the Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepore, to the fact; this misinterpretation of
the rule appears to exist in no other district of the Province.
Jhang Horse
Show.
321. This show was held on 1st and 2nd March 1897, and I am pleased to be
able to report that it proved in many respects a greater success than even last
year. It will be seen by reference to former reports that three years ago it
was a matter for serious consideration whether it would not be advisable to
abolish this show; this I would have recommended with the greatest reluc-
tance, as from past experience I know that this district can be developed into
an excellent breeding centre; the Jhang mares have long been noted
as possessing wonderful stamina, and although they possess faults
which it is necessary to correct before their progeny is fit for Army
purposes, still, in them we have a foundation to work on which is to
be found in few districts. It only required the cordial assistance of the District
Authorities, and this we have fortunately obtained in the late and present
Deputy Commissioners—Captains Douglas and Burlton. Prior to this assistance
being given, it was impossible to place our best stallions in the district, as their
services were not utilized. This, of course, was another drawback to the proper
development of horse-breeding; but, having obtained the help of the District
Officer, really good horses have been supplied, and are generally being appre-
ciated by the breeders. On this point, the Senior Member of the Judging
Committee states:—
"The district is well worthy of every effort being made to encourage and foster its horse-breeding.
"The breeders are contented with the existing regulations and anxious to take all advantage of any assist-
ance that may be given them. They much appreciate the thoroughbred English horse "VILLEJUSTE."
sent to the district a few months ago. Some more thoroughbred English stallions in the district would
have the best effect in improving the stamp of horses obtainable."
322. The number of horses attending the show shows a marked increase
during the past three years, being as follows:—
1894-95
1895-96
1896-97
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 680
. 986
. 1,083
The number that competed for prizes, fell from 386 last year to 222 this year;
this is to be accounted for by the great scarcity which has existed for some
time, and the inability of the owners to get them into show condition.
323. The 16th Bengal Cavalry were able to obtain three remounts at an
average cost of R245. On the question of the supply of remounts, the
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, remarks:—
"Breeders do not sell their stock at small shows ; they send them to bigger fairs where they think better
prices can be obtained. The majority of breeders in this district also sell their young stock to dealers or their
agents as soon as they are old enough for them to be taken away."
The Senior Member of the Judging Committee also remarks on the supply
of remounts:—
"There seems to be a difficulty in buying horses at this show owing to many of the animals belonging to
more than one owner; as for instance, several brothers or other relatives, each having an equal share in a horse,
is in consequence difficult to come to terms."
324. The Chief Commissariat Officer, Mian Mir, attended this show and
purchased six mules. Up to date, this district only produces mules fit for
transport purposes; no ordnance mules were to be found amongst the 24 that
competed for prizes. As, however, both the Senior Member of the Judging