NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
31.
215. The number of remounts purchased by Native Cavalry, even though the
number of Fairs decreased, shows a great increase except in the North-Western
Provinces. The figures are given below in order to facilitate comparison:—
North-Western Provinces
.
.
North Punjab
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
South Punjab
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Baluchistan .
.
.
.
.
.
.
1898-99.
348
48
207
56
111
770
1899-1900.
271
100
449
3
132
987
The increase in the number of remounts obtained must be considered
satisfactory.
HORSE AND MULE-BREEDING IN NATIVE STATES.
General.
216. These operations have been much hampered during the past year owing
to the great fodder famine which has existed, in fact I did not anticipate such
favourable results as have been received from certain States.
217. I would like to see horse and mule-breeding pushed even more than
they are in certain States, for undoubtedly, they form a most useful adjunct to
our own operations.
218. Breeding on a systematic basis was only commenced five years ago and
already this year we find that three head of stock by stallions belonging to the
Kapurthala State were purchased by the Army Remount Agent as well as
another one by a stallion belonging to Faridkot. Two Ordnance and one
Baggage mule were obtained from Patiala. In addition to the above, stallions
belonging to Native States produced many Native Cavalry remounts.
219. Mule-breeding is being started in other States, and during the year
under review. Jacks were supplied to Malerkotla (Punjab), Bharatpur and
Jodhpur (Rajputana), and Wadhwan (Kathiawar).
220. By a reference to the Table given below, it will be seen that mule-
breeding has held its own against great odds, but that horse-breeding has suffered.
This was to be expected with the famine which has existed in most of the States
concerned:—
Bahawalpore . .. . . .... . . . . .. . . .
Kapurthala .
.
.
. .
.
Faridkot
.
Jhind . . . . . . . . .
Alwar .
.
.
.
.
Jaipur .
.
.
.
.
.
.
Central India .
.
.
.
.
.
Bharatpur
.
.
.
.
.
.
Horse-breeding.
1899-1900.
125
218
108
60
411
80
40
155
1,197
1898-99.
227
285
125
100
594
80
24
88
1,523
Mule-breeding.
1899-1900.
86
351
97
11
143
...
...
121
809
1898-99.
137
310
106 .
. . . .
138
. . . .
. . . .
50
741
PUNJAB STATES.
Bahawalpore.
221. I fear that the interest in horse and mule-breeding in this State has
diminished since the death of the Nawab, still this is a bad year in which to
judge. The numbers covered were—by horses 125 against 227 in 1898-99, and
by donkeys 86 against 137.
222. I regret to find that the Horse Show instituted in the State by the
Nawab has lately been abandoned.
Kapurthala.
223. Of all States in India, Kapurthala is by far the best in its general
arrangements. Started only five years ago, the management has been so good
34
single exception, been bought from private studs, the property of Chiefs, and are the produce of Arabs and
Thoroughbreds. Not a single pure Kathi has been bought nor has a single head of young stock been purchased
from a Garasia.
"These simple facts are difficult to explain but there can be no doubt that Kathiawar as a horse-breeding
country has completely changed within the last 60 years and the same causes have affected this country and
brought about this change as they have in other parts of India.
"This Department, since 1894, has purchased 4 Arab, 1 Thoroughbred and 3 donkey stallions for this
Province and completed an arrangement with the then following studs to maintain a Government stallion
free of cost with certain restrictions as to their produce.
"Mule-breeding is making steady progress and I trust when more donkey stallions are procurable to supply
each stud with one if not two stallions."
" It is very satisfactory to notice that the system established amongst these studs six years ago has been
successful and that they can now be depended upon to produce a certain number of young stock annually that
are fully up to our requirements, and this without any outlay or risk on the part of Government except the
initial cost of the three stallions lent to Rajkot, Wankaner and Palitana.
"Kathiawar has suffered very severely from famine this year and it will take many seasons of prosperity
to replace the stock which have either died or been sold."
CENTRAL INDIA.
237. Three stallions purchased by this Department are at work — 2 in the
Narsingarh State and 1 in Rajgarh. Forty mares were covered by them.
Those in Narsingarh have covered 38 against 24 last year, but the one in
Rajgarh only covered 2. I have made certain suggestions to the Political
Agent with a view of popularizing these stallions.
PART I.-IMPERIAL REPORT.
IV.—INSTRUCTION FARM.
PART I.-IMPERIAL REPORT.
V.—BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
41
PART I.-IMPERIAL REPORT.
V.—BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
Bacteriological
Laboratory.
344. During the year under review the Laboratory, including the residen
tial quarters of the Imperial Bacteriologist, were burnt to the ground: this
involved a great loss, not only in the value of the buildings but also in valuable
records and microscopical specimens which had been got together for years
and which it will be impossible to replace. The reference library of the
Imperial Bacteriologist also suffered greatly.
345. A Committee assembled at Muktesar in November last to decide on
what was required, they came to the conclusion that the Laboratory should be
rebuilt but that the residential quarters for the Imperial Bacteriologist should
be separate, and that that portion of the Laboratory formerly occupied as such
might accommodate the Medical Department and be utilized as their central
research station.
Work done at the
Laboratory.
346. I have already shown, when noting on the "Tours of Imperial
Officers," that the Imperial Bacteriologist visited certain districts and carried
out preventive inoculation against rinderpest in the field.
Collection of serum.
347. During the year, about 46,000 c. c. were issued, but at times this
Department was hampered by the fact that none could be obtained, whilst
again untested serum had to be issued. Arrangements are now being made
whereby 50,000 doses will be available annually.
Locust disease
Fungus.
348. The fungus was propagated at the Laboratory and about 80 tubes
were sent out but its efficacy does not seem to have been reported on by those
persons to whom it was sent.
349. During the year Dr. Lingard investigated outbreaks of glanders and
lymphangitis epizootica at the Remount Depôts, and submitted reports on the
diseases.
350. A large number of experiments have been carried out connected with
Rinderpest during the year. Many other points connected with this disease
require to be worked out still.
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
VI.—EQUINE DISEASES.
48
thirdly, by lime-washing in the proportion of one maund of good fresh lime to 20 gallons
of water.
"(d) It is useless to apply the phenyle solution or lime-wash until after thoroughly cleansing.
"(e) After horse-boxes have been cleaned and lime-washed, the lime-wash should be allowed to dry,
and should then be carefully brushed off, as, if this precaution is not observed, the eyes and
nostrils of animals subsequently occupying the vehicle are liable to suffer.
"3. At principal stations where a train halts for any time, station masters should see that horse-boxes
on the train containing horses are cleaned out through the trap doors in front and rear before an engine is
attached to the train, and that the roof tanks are supplied with clean water.
"4. On application to the station master of any station, Civil Veterinary Officers should forthwith be
allowed to inspect any or all vehicles used for the conveyance of live-stock which may at the time be standing
at their station.
"5. The administrations of the several railways should forward to the Inspector-General of the Civil
Veterinary Department a list of their stations at which the cleansing of vehicles, under these rules, will ordi-
narily be carried out.
375. I have deemed it advisable to reproduce these rules in the Annual
Administration Report of this Department in order that it may be widely
known that cleanliness of boxes may now be expected, and I think that if
Remount Officers would only see that these rules are strictly adhered to before
they place their horses in the trucks provided by the various Railway Admin-
istrations, many cases of contagious disease might be avoided.
376. It will be noticed that by rule 4 the inspection of these vehicles has
been placed in the hands of the officers of this Department, and already, during
the past quarter, inspections have been held on the following Railways :—
East Indian Railway,
North-Western Railway,
Oudh and Rohilkund Railway,
and the
Jodpur-Bikaner Railway,
Udaipur-Chitorgarh Railway,
East Coast Railway,
Rohilkund-Kumaon Railway,
have also notified the stations at which cleansing of vehicles will be carried
out.
377. I intend to pay great attention to this important subject during the
current year as I feel confident that much can be done to reduce the out-
breaks of glanders which are of such frequent occurrence in India,
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
VII.—GENERAL.
51
PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.
VII.—GENERAL.
TOURS OF IMPERIAL OFFICERS.
Inspector-General,
Civil Veterinary
Department.
378. I was on tour from :—
1st to 26th April 1899,
30th June to 13th July 1899,
4th August to 4th September 1899,
20th September 1899 to 31st March 1900,
making a total of 265 days, during which time I travelled:—
1,335 miles by road.
24,974 „ by rail.
500 „ by sea.
Following the procedure adopted in former years I purpose alluding to
the various subjects which occupied my attention during the tours.
379. In April I visited Abbottabad in connection with the building of the
new stallion depôt. I also discussed with the Deputy Commissioner the necessity
for more District Board ponies. Thence I proceeded to Rawalpindi to attend
the Horse Fair. I then proceeded to Babugarh where I inspected both depôts
and allotted all the new horse and donkey stallions.
380. Visited the Laboratory at Muktesar where I was pleased to see experi-
ments with Rinderpest cattle proceeding. The cultivation and general arrange-
ments had much improved. I took this opportunity of inspecting the dâk
line between Kathgodam and Naini Tal in connection with outbreaks of Surra
which have been so prevalent on that line.
From Muktesar I proceeded to Simla, arriving on 26th April, and remained
there until 30th June when I visited Babugarh and Hissar.
381. On 4th August I proceeded again to Babugarh at the request of the
Director, Army Remount Department, in order to investigate an outbreak of
glanders which had appeared in that depôt. At the same time I was able to
issue the necessary orders for the protection of the Government stallions
located at Babugarh. I then visited the Hissar Farm and discussed with the
Superintendent necessary measures for the improvement of the Farm.
382. Proceeding to Murree with a view of visiting Abbottabad and
Kashmir, I had an interview with the Deputy Commissioner at which the
various measures for the suppression of Glanders and Farcy, which existed on
the line leading to Kashmir, were discussed. It was then decided that as the
general impression was that the disease was imported amongst ponies arriving
from Afghanistan, that it would be advisable to segregate all new ponies and
to test them with Mallein. With a view of carrying this important measure
into effect I met Mr. Danjibhoy, the proprietor of the line, who agreed at once.
I then proceeded to Abbottabad and interviewed the Deputy Commis-
sioner and the Executive Engineer in connection with the new stallion depôt.
I also discussed the question of grain-supply and crops with the zemindars.
At Murree I saw the Deputy Adjutant-General and the Inspecting
Veterinary Officer, Punjab Command, in connection with the Special Judging
Committee for Horse Shows.
383. I then made an exhaustive inspection and enquiry into the extensive
outbreak of glanders on the Kashmir line which, owing to the number of horses
and ponies marching in and out, was very likely to be the means of spreading
the disease widely in India. At the conclusion of my inspection I was able,
in consultation with the Resident in Kashmir and the Deputy Commissioner,
H 2
55
When these officers are appointed, this Department will be enabled to do much
for the preservation of cattle than it has hitherto done.
406. The question of the appointment of an officer for Kashmir is still in
abeyance owing to the recruitment question not having been settled. In the
meanwhile, Mr. Clemence has been appointed Veterinary Inspector, working
under the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North Punjab, to
guard against the introduction of contagious diseases into India.
407. There remains to be still considered the advisability of appointing an
officer to each of the following Provinces whose duties will be those solely
connected with cattle:—
(i) 2nd officer for North-Western Provinces and Oudh;
(ii) officer for Central Provinces;
(iii) officer for Assam.
Owing to the success gained during the past year in the preventive inocula-
tion of cattle against rinderpest, an account of which will be found in the
Cattle Section, it is hoped that the work will be gradually extended in
India.
408. The delay which has occurred in the appointment of the three officers
sanctioned by the Secretary of State and by the vacancy caused by and the
appointment of Veterinary Major Gunn to Hissar, has been due to the fact that
the War Office has decided that future recruitment for the Civil Veterinary
Department is not to take place from the Army Veterinary Department. The
only question that now remains to be decided is that of future recruitment,
and as a decision on this point may be expected shortly, not only will these
vacancies be filled but we shall have a Department formed on a sound basis,
and the constant reversions, which have greatly impeded its work up to date,
will not take place.
Publication.
409. During the year under review, the following Agricultural Ledgers
have been issued by this Department:—
(i) The cattle pest commonly known as Warbles, by Veterinary Colonel
Queripel.
(ii) Experiments with hides and bones of animals that have died from
rinderpest, by Veterinary Colonel Queripel.
(iii) Note on Rabies, by Veterinary Lieutenant Walker.
(iv) and (v) Rinderpest—two further reports (third and fourth) on
experiments with Rinderpest, by Veterinary Major Raymond.
(vi) Bovine Tick Fever—bringing the literature on this subject up to
date—by Veterinary Major Gunn.
(vii) Measurements of cattle in Europe, by Veterinary Lieutenant Walker.
410. Two useful works in Urdu for the use of students and Veterinary
Assistants have been published by Syed Mahtab Shah and by Syed Sardar Shah
Gilani, Lecturers at the Lahore Veterinary College. The first is " How to
tell the age of domesticated animals," the second is "Camel keeping in
India." This useful book has already had fairly wide circulation, 80 copies
having been purchased by the Native States of Rajputana and 81 having been
supplied to the Transport Veterinary Assistants of the Bengal, Bombay and
Punjab Commands.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.
ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION REPORT
OF THE
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT IN INDIA
FOR THE OFPICIAL YEAR
1899-1900.
PART II.—PROVINCIAL REPORT.
I.—HORSE BREEDING.
I
63
PART II.—PROVINCIAL REPORT.
II.—MULE-BREEDING.
Donkey stallions
belonging to District
Boards.
426. Table H will show that the following donkey stallions have been
employed :—
North-Western Provinces . . . . . . .
North Punjab . . . . . . .
South Punjab . . . . . . .
Bengal . . . . . . .
Madras . . . . . .
Sind . . . . . . . .
TOTAL .
2
1
5
1
4
1
14
Number of mares
covered.
Produce.
Summary.
427. These donkeys have covered 356 mares.
428. Eighty-nine foals are known to have been dropped but no agency
exists by which correct statistics can be obtained.
429. On the principle that every little helps, this adjunct to mule-
breeding must not be despised, but as I have stated in former reports, mule-
breeding must be left to Imperial agency as District Boards are helping so
materially in the development of horse-breeding.
PART II—PROVINCIAL REPORT.
III.—CATTLE DISEASE—INVESTIGATION AND PREVENTION.
79
Burma
515. Each Veterinary Assistant has a dispensary at his head-quarters, Burma
When on tour attending outbreaks, he takes a chest containing drugs likely
to be required.
Table N shows the following results:—
Lower Burma . . .
Upper Burma . . .
Cured.
18,550
15,664
34,214
Died.
610
469
1,079
Unknown.
2,508
3,142
5,650
Total.
21,668
19,275
40,943
Sixty-five Veterinary Assistants were employed. They visited 12,077 villages
and treated 40,943 cases.
516. The Superintendent submits a report from all Deputy Commissioners,
and I am pleased to find that with very few exceptions, these officers have re-
ported well on the Veterinary Assistants attached to their respective districts.
517. I consider that the work done and the results obtained can compare
most favourably with that done in any other Province: this I attribute to the
careful supervision of these men by Veterinary Captain Evans and to the fact
that he has supreme control over them.
Berar.
518. A senior Veterinary Assistant and two Veterinary Assistants are em-
ployed in Berar. In addition to the 1,611 treated at the dispensaries, they
treated 1,971 head of cattle whilst in the districts, making a total of 3,582.
519. A Veterinary Assistant was deputed to the Melghat taluq, where there
was a large influx of cattle and where a serious development of rinderpest took
place. His services are well spoken of by the Conservator of Forests. The
senior Veterinary Assistant was deputed to the large Kinwat Reserve to deal
with an outbreak of rinderpest.
520. Mr. Khandkar, the senior Veterinary Assistant, undertook the tran-
slation into Marathi of the Urdu treatise on Cattle disease by Sayad Sardar
Shah Gilani.
521. The duties of this small Subordinate Establishment I consider were
most satisfactorily carried out.
85
"The proposed Hathwa Farm.—I believe something is to be done with regard to breeding experiments
at Hathwa, but I understand that a final decision has not yet been arrived at."
541. On this subject the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Madras-
states:—
"There is no cattle breeding carried on by Government and no cattle shows are held in this Presidency.
The stud bulls, which some years ago were provided by Government, were much appreciated and were doing
good work. The cattle shows, especially the one held in the Nellore District, were doing much to encourage
better breeding and management of cattle. Government's assistance in cattle breeding would be of enormous
benefit, would, I believe, be gladly accepted by the ryots. Madras possesses many excellent breeds of cattle
which are said to be degenerating for want of careful breeding."
542. On this subject the Director of Land Records and Agriculture Berar.
states:—
"No fairs have been held in the province during the year on account of the danger of importing plague.
Any steps that might possibly be taken towards improving the cattle of the province, such as the importation of
superior bulls, must now be deferred for some years until our cattle have been replenished in numbers."
89
PART II.-PROVINCIAL REPORT.
V.—VETERINARY INSTRUCTION,
543. In my report of last year I pointed out the necessity for more
uniformity in education at the various Veterinary Colleges in India. On my
representation a conference was held in January last which was attended by
the following officers:—
PRESIDENT:
Veterinary Colonel A. E. Queripel, Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary
Department.
MEMBERS:
Veterinary Major J. Brodie-Mills, Principal, Bombay Veterinary College.
Veterinary Major F. Raymond, Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, Bengal.
Veterinary Major W. D. Gunn, Superintendent, Government Cattle Farm,
Hissar.
Veterinary Captain F. Joslen, Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, Rajputana.
Veterinary Captain H. T. Pease, Principal, Lahore Veterinary College.
Veterinary Major Gunn attended, as, being an Ex-Principal and as having
conducted the examinations at all the educational establishments whilst holding
the appointment of Assistant to the Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary
Department.
544. The Conference laid down the curriculum for the three years' courses
and carefully considered the text books which should be used during each
period of study.
In deciding upon the curriculum for the three years' teaching, the Con-
ference was guided by a wish to limit, as much as possible, the amount of
theoretical study consistent with efficient training of Veterinary Assistants,
so that more time might be devoted to their practical instruction, and in this
connection the following was laid down with a view to arrive at this much
desired end:—
FIRST YEAR.
The students, during this year, should be practically instructed in nursing
and dressing, the handling, casting and securing of animals, and the names of
the various instruments and appliances used in ordinary practice.
SECOND YEAR.
Students should attend all hospital practice, receive clinical instruction,
be instructed in the uses of the various Veterinary instruments and appliances.
They should also attend at the Forge and Pharmacy.
Dissections should be carried out during the year, when practicable, and
operations on the dead subject should be performed.
THIRD YEAR.
During the final year, all students will be required to perform the duties
of Clinical Clerks, to perform operations under the supervision of the teaching
staff—they will be expected to conduct post-mortem examinations and will
continue their studies in practical Pharmacy.
545. The conference also pointed out the necessity of training the 3rd year
students in the preventive system of inoculation against rinderpest, and further
that as Veterinary Assistants were frequently required to take up appointments
under Municipalities, involving the supervision of slaughter houses and the
inspection of meat and milk, it was advisable that during the final year's course
the students should receive instruction in these subjects.
N
PART II.-PROVINCIAL REPORT.
VI.—TOURS OF SUPERINTENDENTS.
95
PART II.-PROVINCIAL REPORT.
VI.—TOURS OF SUPERINTENDENTS.
572. A reference to Table P will show the work done by each Provincial
Superintendent.
573. Road work is to be advocated, as it brings the Superintendents more
into contact with the people, and I am pleased to find that all connected with
horse and mule breeding have devoted much of their time to travelling by
road, especially is this the case with the two belonging to the Punjab. More
would have been done by others in this direction, but, owing to the extent of
country which they have to cover, it is almost impossible to avoid travelling
by rail.