41
All these mules are probably bred in China, and are brought through Tibet into the
Darjeeling District with merchandise, and if the purchase-money is paid down to the indivi-
dual owners in hard cash, and without the trouble of having to cash cheques, a ready and good
supply will meet the ordinary demand for this animal.
272. Having, when on inspection duty at Jalapahar, had an opportunity
of inspecting these mules, I can endorse Veterinary-Captain Gunn's opinion;
these mules are of a particularly sturdy stamp, well suited for tranport
purposes.
BALUCHISTAN.
Quetta Horse
Show.
273. This is the fifth show that has been held at Quetta, and this year it
took place on 3rd and 4th October 1893.
274. As being the centre at which northern horses are assembled, it must
be looked upon as one of the greatest importance.
275. In addition to this, I am pleased to find 323 brood-mares and fillies
competed for prizes, showing that Baluchistan will develop under proper care
into one of our best breeding grounds.
276. The Political Agent and Deputy Commissioner, Quetta-Pishin,
reports on both these classes as follows:—
Brood-mares.—A. numerous and superior class, many showing great quality. These
mares were all in good condition and their owners take more care of them than they used
to do.
Fillies.—The 2 and 3 year old classes were very good, showing breeding and quality.
The 2 year old fillies were considerably better than the 3 years old. The 4-years old were
bad with three exceptions.
277. This last paragraph bears out the advantages to be derived from the
purchase of young stock. My experience has always been that the older young
stock get, the worse it is when in the hands of the breeders.
278. Castration appears to be making great headway in Baluchistan, 42
having competed for prizes. The largest class, viz., the 2-years old, is reported
as "well-grown and well-developed."
279. A large number of remounts was purchased, viz. 182, of which 29
were the produce of Government sires.
These may be looked upon as home-breds, and the number purchased
compares favorably with other shows. The total of 182 was made up as
follows:—
Army Remount Department ...
...
...
...
Punjab Cavalry ...
...
...
...
...
Bengal
„
...
...
...
...
...
Bombay „
...
...
...
... ...
Police ... ... ... ... ...
Total ...
18
14
60
86
4
182
280. The Political Agent and Deputy Commissioner, Quetta, in his report
states:—
The show was an extremely good one and at the same time a most unsatisfactory
one.
It was good in so much as the condition and numbers of the brood-mares and young
stock were concerned.
It was most satisfactory from the seller's point of view. Nearly every sound horse of
a marketable age was sold for a price far higher than the owner anticipated.
But the success of the show was marred by the fact that before the fair commenced
and before many of the buyers had arrived, the best horses had been sold, put on the train
and taken out of the district.
The large Punjab dealers received intimation as soon as the horses reached Pishin from
Herat. They at once came up, visited the villages where the horses were standing, and con-
cluded their purchases many days before the fair was advertised to commence.