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will permit, the land being used at present for tobacco and other crops. The
soil is good, water is abundant, a railway station is near. Buildings. graneries,
stables are ready to hand, and only require some repairs.
366. The land has been allowed to run to jungle somewhat, but the sale
of some of the timber would defray the expenses of clearing.
367. There is accommodation, not only for cattle-breeding purposes, but
for cattle-breeding experiments ; moreover, sheep and goat-breeding experi-
ments might be carried out with advantage (see paragraphs 127, 128, 129 of my
Annual Report, 1897). The latter are badly needed, as little seems to be known
about the smaller ruminants.
368. I have therefore reported in favour of Pusa as a cattle-breeding farm,
and the matter is under consideration of the Director of Lund Records and the
Commissioner of Patna.
369. I have to add that the rock which apparently ruined the old stud
was bad and expensive management ; that should not be forgotten in any scheme
which is submitted under the head of breeding experiments. A sketch balance
sheet has been forwarded to the Director of Land Records.
370. It will also be well if the enterprise is not overladen with too many
extras in the shape of elaborate scientific cropping experiments, scholastic
teaching, &c., though they are most important in their proper place.
371. I recommend that Pusa shall be a breeding farm, neither more nor
less ; and that any other agricultural matters should be kept totally separated
and under separate management,
SHEEP AND GOAT-BREEDING.
372. During the past year I have endeavoured to collect information on this
subject, but for want of time I have not been able to do much. However, I have
corresponded with various agricultural bodies, and in two cases received inter-
esting answers which I append (Appendices LXII and LXIII). I have also
attempted to ascertain what is done in Bengal by conversing with various
people, but those I have met so far, do not seem to understand much about the
subject.
373. I think it is highly desirable that the subject should be gone into
thoroughly on the Pusa Farm if the place is acquired for breeding purposes.
TICK PLAGUE.
374. From appended documents (Appendices LXIV, LXV, LXVI) it will
be seen that tick plague has received the attention of Government, who decided
that horses, cattle, and forage imported from Australia should be inspected by
the Veterinary Officer in charge of the Army Remount Depot, as my duties took
me into the mufassal at that time of the year.
375. But I requested that in the case of any ticks being discovered that a
telegraphic message should be sent to me.
376. I understand that no ticks were found by the Veterinary Officer on
the imported horses nor in the imported forage.
377. I have not discovered any cattle suffering from tick plague in this
Province during the year.
THE STAFF.
378. The Assistant Superintendent.—Mr. Burke's duties have been well and
zealously performed. I am glad to report that an increment of pay of Rs. 50
per mensem has been sanctioned in this year's budget.
379. The Lecturers.—Messrs. Shroff and Doctor were not found to be
suited for the work which I required of them, and they resigned. Government
sanctioned the appointment of two other Lecturers on Rs. 150 a month, rising
to Rs. 200 by annual increments of Rs. 10 a month, and Messrs. D'Silva and
Foy have filled the posts since the 7th July and 11th September 1897,
respectively. These two gentlemen have been zealous in carrying out their
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