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232. Sitamarhi Fair.—I reached Sitamarhi on the 11th April 1897, and
took with me J. N. Mukerji, a veterinary student, for instruction.
233. The number of cattle present was said to be smaller than in the
preceding year, and they consisted chiefly of young animals from two teeth to
six teeth in age.
234. The prices of cattle oscillated considerably owing to a rumour that
large purchases were to be made by Government.
235. There was only a small number of cows for sale ; buffaloes and goats
were scarce ; I saw no sheep nor ponies for sale. Speaking generally, the
animals were in very good condition.
236. The river was used for the purpose of watering the cattle.
237. The Subdivisional Officer had marked out some good broad roads,
which were found to be of great convenience to everybody attending the fair.
238. The local Veterinary Assistant, Ram Lal Bhattacharji, and the
veterinary student J. N. Mukerji, assisted me to inspect the animals in the fair,
but no trace of contagious disease was found.
239. The show.—The show was held under the auspices of the "Sitamarhi
Cattle Improvement Club," and was well managed. The show yard was
established in a large tope of trees, which afforded ample room and shade, with
the result that judging was a pleasure rather than a labour.
240. The pairs of big draft bullocks were not as good as last year, but the
medium size pairs and some single bullocks were good. Two single bullocks
were particularly fine specimens, and were purchased by Mr. Stevens for Rs. 175
after securing prizes. One of these measured 10 inches below the knee.
241. The cows were not out of the common, except the winner of the first
prize, which appeared to be a half-bred Guzeratti.
242. The bull buffaloes were good, the cow-buffaloes only fair. The usual
driving competition was held, and several pairs walked with ease about the
rather soft ground, drawing a cart loaded with 40 to 45 maunds
243. A list of prize-winners is appended (Appendix XXXVII).
244. Some measurements of cattle were also taken (Appendix XXXVIII).
245. A grant of Rs. 350 was made by Government, and this was supple-
mented with Rs. 250 from the District Board of Muzaffarpur. The cost of
prizes and other expenses were defrayed from these funds.
246. I have recommended that these sums be re-allotted for the same
purpose next year.
247. Mr. Russell and the Club are doing good work. The Judging
Committee consisted of—
G. H. Stevens, Esq., of Remisyedpur,
P. Moore, Esq., of Balhnaha,
and myself.
248. Sonepore.—The approximate number of animals was as follows:—
Horses and ponies
Bullocks
Cows
Buffaloes
Elephants
Camels
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
2,000 or 3,000
35,000 to 35,000
800
150
600 to
700
5 or
6
249. I discovered an early case of cattle plague in a calf, and had it
isolated and guarded. The disease did not appear to spread any further during
the mela. In all probability other cases will occur in the district, as cattle
plague was prevalent in Bihar quite recently.
250. Horses.—There were fewer horses this year, but they were rather
better in quality.
251. Purchasing officers from the 2nd Bengal Cavalry and Central India
Horse were present.
The purchasing report of the former is appended
(Appendix XXXIX). No report has been received from the Central Horse.
I inspected the horses.
252. Ponies were rather more numerous than last year. On the whole,
their points were better. I saw one or two very fair ponies bought for polo at
Rs. 260, but they were too slow for a first-class game. The trade did not
appear to me as brisk as last year.