30
(spring and autumn). This should be the return breeders make for the concession of free
service by breeders.
154. With reference to this the Deputy Commissioner remarks as fol-
lows:—
Another matter I would like to draw attention to is the suggestion made by Colonel
Clifford, President of the Judging Committee, in his note on last year's fair, and supported by
me, viz., that officers be deputed at certain times of the year to horse breeding centres in the
district to purchase stock on behalf of Government. Large numbers of young stock are
annually purchased at low prices and carried off for sale in Bengal by Bhojpuri dealers, and
are, as Colonel Clifford remarks, undoubtedly lost to Government. During the current year no
less than 464 stock of all kinds were thus bought up and taken out of the district. This
was the number registered on the ferry shop at Dera Ghazi Khan, but a large number were
probably taken over by other crossings.
This no doubt accounts for the small number of remounts purchased in comparison with
the large numbers of horses in the fair. The dealers had already taken the pick of the horses
available for sale in the district.
155. The suggestion as put by the Deputy Commissioner is one well
worthy of the consideration of the Native Cavalry regiments, and in fact of
Government itself. If, as suggested by the Deputy Commissioner, young stock
were collected twice a year in, say, 3 or 4 centres, not only would much valuable
stock be gained as remounts, but incalculable benefit would be derived by the
breeders by obtaining the much enhanced prices given by Remount officers.
156. The suggestion as made by Colonel Clifford, viz., that restriction on
sale of produce of Government stallions should be made, until Remount officers
have had an opportunity of buying, is so totally at variance with the
general principles adopted with a view of fostering horse-breeding, that I can-
not advocate any plan which would in any way interfere with the freedom of
the breeders to sell their produce to any one they choose.
Dera Ismail
Khan
Horse
Show.
157. The Dera Ismail Khan Horse Show was held on the 16th and 17th
March 1894.
158. This is the third year that the show has been held: the results obtain-
ed on this occasion and the prospects for future advancement are most encou-
raging.
159. Whereas only 205 animals were present last year, 965 attended on
this occasion. Of these, 753 belonged to breeders and again 468 competed for
prizes against 105 last year.
160. The Deputy Commissioner in this report states:—
The fair and its objects are also becoming better known and understood by the zemin-
dars at large. The prejudice against branding mares is also being broken down, and Mr.
Maxwell (Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Derajat and Baluchistan) was able to
brand 165 mares during the two days of the show. This is an excellent result and goes a
long way towards stocking the district with a good number of brood-mares.
Every encouragement was given to branding and a special class for "Mares branded at
the fair" was made up.
161. Class II—Branded fillies not in foal under 4 years of age.—In this
class there were 23 entries, of which the Deputy Commissioner reports as
follows:—
There were some very promising fillies in this class. It was perhaps the best in the
show.
Class VIII (a)—Mules of any age.—Is reported on as follows:—
Ten entries. There were several useful young mules in this class— a great improve-
ment on last year.
162. The above extracts lead me to the conclusion that at last a start has
been made in this district.
163. I regret to find the gelding class badly reported on. There were only
9 entries. The practice of gelding seems, however, to have made better progress