40
263. I regret to find that on the subject of District Board stallions the
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab, reports that
several of them had been allowed to cover 120 to 140 mares; this must lead to
the deterioration of the stallion and to disappointment on the part of the
breeders, as one stallion cannot fill this large number of mares.
264. Six head of young stock were purchased by the Remount officer,
16 mares were branded at the show, and 4 bridles were given to deserving
zemindars.
RAJPUTANA.
Pokhur Horse
Fair.
265. This fair was held from 19th to 23rd November 1893, and, compared
with other years, proved a success so far as numbers are concerned; thus, 1,152
horses, etc., attended against 672 in 1893. Seven hundred and ten were sold as
against 516 last year. Of the total that attended, 505 were mares and fillies, and
again of these, 473 came from the Meywar District; but the Principal, Ajmere
Veterinary School, reports them as very disappointing both as regards quality
and utility, there being few amongst them that could be considered suitable
for either Native or British Cavalry.
Still, at the same time, with such a large number of mares available, I
think something might be done to foster horse-breeding in this district.
266. At present there is one Imperial stallion at Deoli in Rajputana, and
it is contemplated sending another to Ajmere.
I purpose addressing Government on this subject under a separate letter.
TIRHOOT.
Sonepore
Horse Fair.
267. This fair was held in November 1893 and elicits but slight mention
as far as horse-breeding is concerned.
268. The Chairman of the District Board says that the Police report the
total number of horses present at 6,625, all under 14 hands, and that of this
number 6,425 belonged to dealers and 200 to breeders. These figures are,
however, not to be relied upon.
269. Of this large number, only 247 competed for prizes, of which 90 were
selected for examination.
270. Sixty-eight remounts were purchased by Native Cavalry and Police,
but no report showing the quality of the stock bought has been received.
There can, however, be but little doubt that the majority came from our breed-
ing centres in the North-Western Provinces and Punjab.
BENGAL.
Kalimpong
Fair.
271. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bengal, reports as
follows:—
The Kalimpong Fair was held on the 28th and 29th November 1893. In my last
years report I mentioned that probably Kalimpong would take a good centre for the pur-
chase of mules for Government, and that if the dealers were convinced that Government
would purchase, no doubt the mules would be forthcoming. I interested the Revd. G. H.
Graham, the head of the Scotch Mission in this matter, and he had circulars printed in the
Vernacular and issued freely. The result of this energy has been quite satisfactory.
A new market has now been opened up, which, if properly worked, ought to supply a
want much felt by the Transport Department in Bengal. The circulation of the notices proved
a complete success; for where ten mules of an inferior stamp were collected in this mela in
1892, 158 were brought this year. Of these 100 were purchased for the Transport at an
average price of Rs. 143, and among them were some quite up to the standard required for
artillery purposes.
As a whole they were of a good, useful, level stamp with plenty of bone and roomy
framework. The feet and legs were remarkably good, the loins broad and powerful, and the
depth of girth very noticeable. The girth measurement of some of the mules made as much
as 64, and one reached 66 inches. This is remarkably good for animals standing on an
average 13 hands 1 inch high, more particularly in this instance, as they were all in poor but
hard condition, and probably had seldom tasted the luxury of grain.