12
far as possible, still, if the great desideratum of sound stock is to be attained, the utmost care
must be taken to brand none but mares free from hereditary unsoundness.
147. Ten head of young stock were purchased for Government and 17 remounts for the
Native Cavalry, making a total of 27, highest, lowest, and average prices being Rs. 380,
Rs. 22, and Rs. 179 respectively.
148. No mules were obtained for the transport or artillery.
149. The grant of Rs. 1,700 from Imperial Funds was brought up to Rs. 1,985 by the
addition of Rs. 285 from local sources. Of this, Rs. 1,964 were awarded. Four bridles were
also given away to prize winners.
Sialkot Horse
Show.
150. This show began on the 15th and ended on the 22nd September 1891.
151. Five hundred and ninety-three head of stock were present against 428 last year, of
which 159 competed for prizes against 128 in 1890.
152. The Assistant Superintendent, Horse-Breeding Department, North-Western Provinces
and Rajputana (who attended this show for the Assistant Superintendent, Horse-Breeding
Department, Punjab, who was absent on leave), remarks: "The stock from the Sialkot
District was chiefly by Thorough-bred and Arab sires, and, although good looking, in many
instances ran light."
153. This officer also suggests that the birth certificates of competitors for prizes should
not be consulted till after the animal has been judged by the Committee, as prejudices for or
against certain classes of sire frequently bias the decision of the judges.
154. The remarks on the various classes are as follows:—
Branded mares
...
Do.
with foal at foot
Fillies, 2 and 3 years old
Yearling colts
Donkey mares
...
...
Yearlings and 2-year old geldings
Branded fillies
Yearling do.
...
...
Geldings, 4 years old—1 competed
Do. 3 years old—2do.
Mules
...
Pony mares for mule-breeding
Donkey stallions
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Fair.
Good.
Poor.
One good and one bad.
Very good.
155. The Assistant Superintendent, Horse-Breeding Department, North-Western Provinces
and Rajputana, remarks on the inconvenient site of the fair; but the Deputy Commissioner
states in his report that the next show will be held in another locality.
156. No remounts were purchased for either Government or the Native Cavalry. The De-
puty Commissioner remarks that many owners on account of the inclement weather did not
leave their stock on the show ground; hence probably eligible animals were never seen by intend
ing buyers. In some instances, too, owners are reported to have refused the prices offered.
157. The mule class, though reported as very good, did not furnish anything for Govern-
ment.
158. Rs. 250 were allowed for prizes by Government, to which Rs. 500 were added locally,
making a total of Rs. 750, of which Rs. 589 were expended. Two bridles were presented to
owners of animals winning prizes.
Umballa Horse
Show.
159. This show was held from the 14th to the 17th April 1892.
160. Two thousand one hundred and fifty-one head of stock attended against 1,960 the
previous year. Of these 112 competed. No grant from Government being allotted last year,
there was no competition for prizes.