10
123. The Deputy Commissioner in his report remarks: "It was again noticeable that the
fillies showed much more quality than did the colts, and much more inducement should be
offered to breeders to have their fillies branded. Many of them when old enough would
make perfect brood mares." It would seem from the report that the breeders show a
preference for the Norfolk Trotter as a sire.
124. Sixteen head of stock were purchased for Government. No officers attended to pur-
chase for the Native Cavalry. The highest price paid for remounts was Rs. 425, lowest
Rs. 160, and average Rs. 257.
125. No mules were purchased for Government.
126. Rs. 1,000 were allotted by Government for awards. The whole amount was ex-
pended. Four bridles were likewise presented to successful competitors.
Multan Horse
Show.
127. This show began on the 7th and terminated on the 9th March 1892.
128. Eight hundred and ninety-seven head of stock attended against 1,454 last year;
328 competed for prizes against 454 in 1891. This falling off is attributed by the Assistant
Superintendent, Horse-Breeding Department, Punjab, to the exceptionally bad season for
grass, making fodder, very dear in parts of the district, unprocurable, and to the fact that
big dealers and Native Cavalry purchasing agents had bought many horses prior to the fair.
The Deputy Commissioner considers that this year no pressure being put on owners to bring
their animals to the show, a certain number did not attend; but he is not convinced that this
is the only cause of the considerable decrease in numbers.
129. The various classes competing are reported on as follows :—
Branded mares
Mules ...
...
...
Branded mares with foal at foot
Do. fillies
Yearling geldings
...
...
Pony mares for mule breeding
Donkeys ...
Fillies, 3 years old
Do. 2 years old
Yearling colts
Geldings, 2 years old
Yearling fillies
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
....
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Very good.
...
... Indifferent.
...
...
Good.
...
...
... Bad.
...
... Fair.
...
... Very bad.
130. The inferior stamp of fillies competing at this show is a matter of much regret.
Improvement in the filly stock of a district is the most encouraging mark of the success of our
operations, while the reverse is disheartening. No remarks are made as to the quality of
the stock purchased for Government and the Native Cavalry.
131. The Assistant Superintendent, Horse-Breeding Department, Punjab, and purchasing
agents all comment on the scarcity of good stock as compared with former years.
132. The Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department, attended a special meeting to
consider the state of breeding in the district and to suggest means to improve it. It appeared
that the Norfolk Trotter and Thorough-bred English stallions supplied by Government were
not liked by zemindars, who preferred Arabs or country-bred sires. The Inspector-General,
Civil Veterinary Department, suggested that to meet their wishes the District Board should
purchase an Arab and country-bred stallion, which, if sound and of fair quality, would be
approved of by the Horse-Breeding Department, and their stock allowed to compete for
Government prizes. Objections, too, were raised to the system of branding mares, but they
seemed to be the result of prejudice. The Multan District has since been furnished with an
Arab stallion selected from those recently purchased for Government, and it is to be hoped
that his services will be thoroughly utilized by the zemindars. Two head of young stock
only were purchased for Government and 28 for the Native Cavalry, the highest price given
being Rs. 240, lowest Rs. 200, and average Rs. 220. Although the mule class is reported on
favourably, none were purchased for Government.
133. The sum of Rs. 1,900 allowed from Imperial Funds for awards at this fair was duly
expended. Four bridles were also given away to owners of animals who had won prizes.