27
" During my inspections I found that crowds of people were always round the wells:
that in pouring water into their chatties a considerable waste occurred which made the
surrounding ground into a perfect puddle. The mud dripped from the feet again into
the well, rendering the water quite discoloured and dirty.
To rectify this state of
things, I would suggest that, after cleaning the wells out, they should be-entirely covered
in. A plentiful supply of water could then be obtained by means of small suction-pumps.
These pumps are very inexpensive (they are advertised by Messrs. Leslie & Co.
at Rs. 25-8 each), and do not readily get out of order. Two or more pumps could be
placed in those wells which are mostly frequented. The cattle in the large majority of
cases are watered in the river which runs close by and borders the cattle fair
ground. It can therefore be readily imagined what the state of the water in which
thousands of cattle are led for drinking and washing purposes becomes. As a remedy
for this, I would suggest that wooden watering troughs be erected at regular distances
close to the river, and constantly kept filled by means of pumps. It would be advis-
able that bricks be laid down temporarily for a distance of two yards round the troughs.
This would prevent the ground becoming puddled. Troughs would not be suitable for
horses, the present system of watering by buckets or chatties being considered less likely
to propagate glanders. Moreover, the meeting of stallions with mares would probably
lead to serious accidents.
"Although the cattle were small in size, they were in very good condition. I was
particularly struck with the enormous number of cattle together, and with their sleek
rounded appearance. Some remarkably well-bred cattle were in the fair, which on enquiry
I found to come from Sitamarhi.
"There were only a few of sufficient size suitable for military purposes, and these were
of the Gujerati strain. For ploughing purposes a small sturdy bullock is preferable, as a
higher and more leggy animal is said to pull the point of the native plough out of the
ground. The horses were a very fair lot, and a very large proportion changed hands.
The majority of these animals were under 14 hands high and not suitable for military
purposes. From enquiries it was ascertained that nearly all the young horses were brought
from the Punjab and North-Western Provinces and taken to Arrah, where they were
kept for a year or two previous to sale. This would indicate that that part of the coun-
try was suitable for rearing purposes, and it would be worth as an experiment
stationing two suitable stallions under the charge of a responsible person in the Arrah
district.
"The judging of the horses was held on the 5th and 6th November.
"Class I—Geldings.—Five years and upwards they were of a very fair quality, but were
leggy and showed want of breeding. Four years, a very good and useful lot. Many of
the Native Cavalry remounts were bought from this class. Three years, a very good lot,
and had not yet been spoiled by head and heel ropes. Two years, well grown and like-
ly to turn out well. One by Rapid Roan was one of the best two-year olds I have seen,
and was bought by the Remount Agent. One year, a fairly good class.
"Class II—Mares.—Five years and upwards of a very good stamp, showing consider-
able power and bone. They would be a very good lot to breed from. Four years, a good
stamp and likely to grow into useful animals. Three years, a similar class to the one
foregoing, but showed better breeding. Two years, a good well-grown lot."
"Class III—Yearlings.—It
was not deemed advisable to distribute prizes among this
class, as it was too small. I would recommend that prizes for this class be held in abey-
ance for two or three years until the people of these districts commence breeding."
"Class IV—Remounts.—The
animals were a good useful lot, and likely to do good ser-
vice. Twenty-five very good, useful animals. Highest price paid, Rs. 275; lowest, Rs. 200;
average, Rs. 237.
"The 5th Bengal Cavalry purchased 12 remounts. These were not such a good lot as
the 6th Bengal Cavalry, they being much lighter in build. Highest price paid, Rs. 285;
lowest, Rs. 175; average, Rs. 236.
"The 6th Bengal Cavalry purchased 16 remounts. They were a good level lot, and
seemed likely to do good service. Highest price paid, Rs. 280; lowest. Rs. 15; average,
Rs. 227.
"I would suggest in the place of yearlings a class to be made from mares with foals
at foot, and another for ponies 13-2 and under."
The gathering is reported to have passed off most successfully.
Quetta
Horse
Show.
This horse show and fair was held on Monday and Tuesday, the 3rd and 4th October
1892.
The following report on this show and fair by Major G. Gaisford, Political Agent and
Deputy Commissioner, is recorded: "The total number of horse stock exhibited was
626, of which 210 belonged to breeders and 416 to dealers. In the second fair held in