14
carefully considered these points when looking at the young stock at the many
Fairs which I attend, and have come to the conclusion that the dealer class
purchases quite second-rate stock, and that many of the better class pass into
other hands; but again, I would ask, is our system of rearing satisfactory?
The best young stock is undoubtedly produced in Baluchistan, Dera Ghazi
Khan, and the upper districts of the Punjab. I am therefore of opinion that
its removal from comparatively dry climates to a hotter and moister climate,
must have a deleterious effect on it. In the first place, it suffers when first
transferred, and again the good material which it puts on during the cold
weather, is removed during the summer months, not only by the heat but also
by being infested with ticks, which tend to reduce condition.
74. Owing to the abovenamed causes, the development of young animals
is either retarded or rendered impossible. I would much like to see a depôt
started in Baluchistan where soil and climate would produce horses—the finest
in India.
75. From the results shown in Table V, which have been analysed, it
would appear that the produce of hackneys and thoroughbreds turned out almost
an equal number fitted for British Cavalry Remounts; their respective merits,
however, cannot be ascertained, and I think the time has arrived when Officers
Commanding Regiments that are mounted on country-breds, should be asked
to watch carefully the working of the horses of different breeds, and to report
the results. It is only by some practical measure of this kind that we shall
arrive at correct conclusions. On this subject, the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, North Punjab, states:—
"I am of opinion that the Australian and English thoroughbreds, produce by far the best class of horse
suitable for Army purposes: the first cross of Arab being usually somewhat undersized, though I have seen
many Arab bred remounts bought for Native Cavalry: the stock of Norfolk Trotters, though big, is generally
heavy topped, has insufficient bone which appears to me soft and not of such good quality as that of other classes,
while the personal experience of Commanding Officers of Native Cavalry, points to the fact that they cannot do
such a good day's work or keep their condition on continued work as well as the produce of the other breeds."
76. Referring to the purchase of young stock for the Army Remount
Department, the Superintendant, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab,
states:—
"This is a matter which, perhaps it might be said, does not come within the scope of this report. I
venture, however, to say that, in my opinion, very many of the best young horse and mule stock of the country
are never seen by the Officers of the Army Remount Department, who are so shorthanded as to be quite unable
to devote, to the procuring and purchase of young stock, the time required for these purposes.
"Breeders, generally speaking, sell their young stock as soon as they can dispose of them at a fair remu-
neration the result being that they fall into the hands of dealers, who have their Agents in all horse-breeding
districts.
77. On the question of stallions which produce the most suitable stock
for Army purposes, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bombay,
says:—
Of 73 head of stock inspected by me and issued from the Depôt (Ahmednagar) 23 were issued to British
Cavalry, 39 to Native Cavalry, and 11 rejected. Forty per cent. of stock got by thoroughbreds, 41 per cent. by
Norfolk Trotters, and 16 per cent. by Arabs, were issued to British Cavalry; 70 per cent. of stock got by
Arabs, 45 per cent. by thoroughbreds, and 50 per cent. by Norfolk Trotters, were issued to Native Cavalry.
This proves, to a great extent, that the first cross of the Arab on the Deccan mare is seldom big enough for
British Cavalry, although they make undeniable Native Cavalry troops, as they are powerful, well balanced
horses, with good bone and substance."
78. The point that strikes one is the small percentage that proved fit for
British Cavalry. The general average issued from the three depôts to this
branch of the service, was 53.45, but from the Ahmednager Depôt, it was only
31.5.
79. As in Northern India, thoroughbreds and hackneys produced about
the same percentage fit for British Cavalry, but the Arab did not do so well;
no doubt, the first cross cannot be expected to produce stock likely to grow
into remounts for British Cavalry, but this class of stallion counteracts so many
faults of the country-bred, that I feel convinced that without the Arab, as
the basis and foundation of horse-breeding in India, our results would be utter
failures.
Country-bred
Remounts.
Number
purchased.
80. Tables VI, VI (a), VI (b), and VI (c), (pages xv to xxv), will show
the number of remounts and young stock purchased. The following will
show the number obtained during the past three years:—
1894-95
1895-96
1896-97
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2,330.
2,365.
1,906.
This shows a decrease of 459 when compared with last year.