5
Twelve buffalo bull calves purchased in the Punjab for Government,
were kept at the Siripur Farm and Rs. 1,241 was expended on their keep.
They have done exceedingly well, except one, which is rather underbred and
small. Two were sold to the District Boards of Patna and Muzaffarpur,
and one to the Muksudpur Wards Estate at Rs. 150, Rs. 150 and Rs. 90, respect-
ively, the proceeds being credited to Government. The remaining bulls were
not disposed of, but the Manager of the Bettiah Raj, has asked for four which
will be sent him on receipt of the sanction he requires for their purchase.
BULL REARING AND BREEDING FARMS.
There is now only one farm in this Province where bulls are bred for
use in the districts. It is maintained by the Bettiah Raj. At the begin-
ning of the year there were two, but the Siripur Farm with its fine herd,
got together after much trouble and expense, was disbanded as it was about
to show good results, and the young bulls converted into high class cart
bullocks, the reason being that the estate passed from the Court of Wards
to the Maharani of Hathwa during January last.
As regards Bettiah, this farm is not doing as well as was expected, change
of climate and soil having affected the animals considerably. A conference
was held at Bettiah in the cold weather to consider the question of the loca-
tion of the farm, and it was decided that the herd should be removed
permanently from Manjheria to some land near the Manager's bungalow,
which appears suitable.
The herd at the close of the year numbered 103 head ; of these there
were 20 bulls and bull calves, 42 cows and 41 young stock. Twenty-one
rejected stock were sold for Rs. 393-8-0. Twenty-six calves were born during
the year while 2 cows and 7 calves died.
The Manager, Mr. J. R. Lowis, takes considerable interest in the farm
but it is impossible to go on with the farm in its present state, unless some
reliable and experienced person, preferably a European, is placed in charge.
Unless this is done, it will mean the Superintendent having to visit the
farm at least every two months.
The Veterinary Assistant, who has a large practice now to look after,
was intended for this post in addition to his legitimate work, but, as this has
grown to considerable proportions since he was appointed, the farm cannot
properly be looked after while the Manager and the Assistant Managers have
other considerable duties to perform in connection with the estate and are
therefore precluded from giving the farm the attention it requires.
The whole question of making provision for cattle-breeding in this
Province is now under enquiry by the Director of Agriculture and it is
hoped that a plan will be formulated which will be workable and provide
for the necessities of the Province for some years to come. The main ques-
tions at issue are the provision of Government Cattle Farms in Bihar and
Orissa ; and the best method of disposing of the bulls. I trust that Govern-
ment will favourably consider these Proposals.
HORSE AND PONY STALLION.
The only horse stallion of the Province is maintained by the Dumraon
Raj. No mares were covered during the year. A sum of Rs. 190 was spent
for its feed and keep.
TABLES XIII AND XIV.
Particulars of the principal Pairs and Shows in the Province are given
in Tables XIII and XIV.
As usual, I visited Sonepur Fair and purchased three elephants for the
Government of Madras. The market being unfavourable, only two could be
secured at an average price of Rs. 2,712 each. Babu S. C. Pal, the tem-
porary Deputy Superintendent, also attended this fair.