29
141. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab,
however, reports that there was a better class of animals attending and greater
interest was evinced by every one in the proceedings.
142. Thirty mares and fillies, mostly by Imperial stallions, were branded:
this I look upon as one of the most healthy signs connected with this show.
Had it not been for this, I would have been inclined to recommend its dis-
continuance.
143. The District Board have interested themselves greatly in horse-breed-
ing and have purchased 3 stallions for themselves. By these stallions only 59
mares have been covered during the year under review, which is most dis-
couraging.
144. Mule-breeding makes no headway in this district, although District
Boards have also provided two donkeys. Only two mules were exhibited. This
is to be greatly regretted.
145. No remounts were purchased. On this point the Superintendent,
Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab, reports as follows:—
Owing to the exhorbitant prices asked by the breeders, the Remount Officer was unable
to make any purchases.
This officer informed me that he had selected 7 or 8 very promising young stock and had
offered prices to the extent which the Remount Department is prepared to pay, but with
no effect.
This is very disappointing, as if officers of the Remount Department are unable to obtain
horses at the prices they can afford to give, there is not much encouragement for officers of
Native Cavalry to attend with a view of purchasing.
146. Three bridles were distributed by the Deputy Commissioner to de-
serving zemindars.
Dera Ghazi
Khan Horse
Show.
147. This show was held on 5th, 6th, and 7th March 1894, and in point of
numbers and quality of stock exhibited proved most successful.
148. The number of horses brought to the fair was 4,525, showing an in-
crease of 1,593 as compared with last year, and a considerable increase on all
previous years.
149. The number exhibited was 637 against 431 last year—an increase
of 186.
150. The Deputy Commissioner reports that the stamp and quality of
animals exhibited this year was again very good. The branded mares, branded
fillies, and fillies out of branded mares by Government stallions were, as usual,
of excellent quality. There was a distinct improvement in the quality and
number of geldings exhibited.
151. With reference to the geldings, the Deputy Commissioner states:
The increase in the number of geldings is satisfactory (110 exhibited against 100 last
year) and reflects credit on the district salutri, Mir Suleman Shah. Only one entire horse
was exhibited at the show.
152. Mule-breeding does not seem to flourish in this district: only 16
were exhibited. The Deputy Commissioner attributes this to the fact that
there have hitherto not been enough donkey stallions in this district, He adds:
Three new stallions have however just arrived, and, this class should show improvement
in future.
I therefore trust that his hope will be realised shortly.
153. Twelve head of stock were bought by the Remount Agent, 45 by
Native Cavalry, and 6 for Police. Colonel Clifford, Commanding 2nd Punjab
Cavalry, reports the quality of remounts obtained as "very good," and with
reference to the general quality of horses exhibited for sale that officer re-
marks:
Quality good, but numbers deficient owing to great number bought and taken away by
dealers throughout the whole of the cold weather:
and makes the following suggestion:—
Restriction on sale of produce of Government stallions, till Remount Officers have had an
opportunity of buying, such opportunity to be afforded to breeders and once in the year