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seen in the Fair for a number of years. The price of the best ponies was high,
Rs. 450 being refused for one.
275. I append a list of prize-winners and some measurements (Appendix
XLIV and Appendix XLV).
276. Tatoos were not much better than last year, but two prizes were
awarded as an encouragement.
277. Donkeys.—The specimens shown were very bad, but I awarded a
prize of Rs. 2 to encourage others.
278. Mules.—These animals were distinctly better in quality, a number of
"1st class" mules being shown.
279. The new arrangement of giving prizes independently of sales to the
Commissariat is reported to have given universal satisfaction to exhibitors.
280. Lieutenant Burthon, of the Royal Munster Fusiliers, was purchasing
mules for the Transport Department. I rendered such assistance as lay in my
power, and left my Veterinary Assistant with him for two days after my
departure.
281. Lieutenant Burthon's report is appended (Appendix XLVI).
282. The sum of Rs. 465 out of Rs. 500 was awarded to the prize-winners,
a list of whose names and classes is appended (Appendix XLVII).
283. I recommend that a sum of Rs. 500 from Imperial funds be allotted
to this Fair next year.
284. The measurements of the first four prize-winners is appended for
information Appendix XLVIII).
285. Cattle.—The number of cattle present was greater than last year,
a new class was opened, namely, "Siri-kutchas."
286. Siri cattle.—The bulls were very good, and gained three prizes; the
cows, heifers, and bullocks were only average specimens, but all the prizes were
distributed.
287. Siri-kutchas.—These are a cross between Siri cattle and Nepali; the
bulls, cows, and heifers were not above the normal, the bullocks were very
good.
288. Buffaloes.—Only one bull was shown, and he failed to secure a prize,
but a number of good cows were shown.
289. The list of prize-winners is appended (Appendix XLIX).
290. In judging the pony, mule, and donkey classes I was assisted by Dr.
Brown of Dam-Dim; the judging of the cattle class fell entirely to Mr. W.
Alston of Matelli, as my time was already fully occupied. To these two
gentlemen I wish to offer my thanks for their kind co-operation.
291. Of the general management of this Show I have much to say in
praise, but I suggest that the exhibits should be left in their places until the
evening of the second day, so as to enable judges (who take the keenest interest
in the Show) to inspect produce outside their own sphere.
292. Barapur.—I attended this Fair from the 17th to the 20th February
with a Veterinary Assistant. No contagious disease was detected among the
animals.
293. The Cruelty to Animals Act has been extended to this Fair.
291. Cattle.—The number of cattle admitted within the wire fence was
16,280, which was less than last year. The quality was not above the
average.
295. Horses.—The number of horses was 482. They were about as bad
in quality as usual.
296. Ponies and Buffaloes numbered 1,938. The ponies up to 13 hands
were not very bad; but few of them were sturdy enough for Army Transport.
The buffaloes were good.
297. It would be advantageous if the ponies and buffaloes could be
classed separately in the returns.
298. The watering arrangements were sufficient. Inconvenience was
caused by undue flooding from the irrigation canal owing to some misunder-
standing. In future this might be guarded against with advantage.
299. The Show.—A meeting of the Committee was held to settle about
prizes, &c, on the 17th. On the 18th the judging of horses and ponies was
undertaken by Mr. Birch, District Superintendent of Police, Babu Hurdhyan
Singh, and myself.