2
extend the importation of a superior class of Arab stallions fit for stud purposes.
This class of horse is much required in many districts ; but, unless of superior
quality, the Arab sire had better be left out of our calculation altogether, as
the produce by inferior Arabs is weedy and totally unfit for military purposes.
We must remember that we have to cope with competition on the part of various
European Governments, who are always prepared to pay high prices ; still, re-
quiring as we do this class of horse, it would be advisable to increase the price
paid to Rs. 2,500, provided we were furnished with Arabs with good bone and
of high caste. This amount, at the present rate of exchange, equals only about
£130, which for stallions landed in Bombay must be looked upon as very
moderate.
Stallions from
Hungary.
9. The proposal to obtain Arabs from Hungary has not yet been effected,
but I trust that our purchasing officer in England, General Sir J. Watson,
will be able to devote some time to visit the Hungarian studs, and that he will
be allowed to select a few which the Hungarian Government has kindly sanc-
tioned to be supplied.
In expressing this hope I would, however, note that I trust none but pure
Arabs will be selected, as I observe from correspondence which has passed on
this subject that the Hungarian Government possesses such a large number of
half-bred stallions of this class.
Stallions from
Australia.
10. The question regarding the advisability of deputing an officer to Australia
for the purpose of purchasing stallions is one which still remains in abeyance.
We should, I think, obtain more information on the subject, especially as to the
class of horse obtainable and also as to the prices at which horses suitable for
our purposes can be procured. We have already five Australians at work ; I
purpose as opportunity offers to inspect their stock. I further purpose adding to
this number by occasionally purchasing a few thoroughbred Australians as well
as roadsters imported into this country and when the fact as to whether this
class of horse will nick with the indigenous mare of this country is established,
I shall then be in a better position to advise the Government of India as to the
advisability of further exertions being made to obtain a larger supply.
Number
of
stallions at stud
work.
11. The number of stallions at stud work would, at first sight, appear to be
small. From Table IV, page vii, it will be seen that—
In North-West Provinces only 78 were used out of a total of 106 on the
register.
In the North Punjab 53 were used out of a total of 95 on the register.
In South Punjab 39 were used out of a total of 53 on the register.
Allowing, however, for the number of horses that are at the depôt being
acclimatized, and that are unallotted, viz., 53, as well as for the number that are
from time to time on the sick list, the number must be considered fairly satis-
factory.
Average num-
ber of mares
covered
per
stallion.
12. The average number of mares covered per stallion employed is as
follows:—
In North-Western Provinces and Oudh ... ... ...
„ Rajputana ... ... ... ... ...
„ North Punjab ... ... ... ... ...
„ South Punjab ... ... ... ... ...
„ Derajat ... ... ... ... ...
„ Baluchistan ... ... ... ... ...
„ Central India ... ... ... ... ...
„ Deccan ... ... ... ... ...
„ Guzerat ... ... ... ... ...
„ Sindh and Cutch ... ... ... ... ...
36.30
35.00
52.47
46.66
46.33
42.29
39.80
35.00
27.80
35.88
13. The percentage of mares covered in the Punjab and Derajat, being 48.5
per stallion employed, must be looked upon as most satisfactory.
That of North-Western Provinces and Oudh is at present very unsatisfactory.
I trust to be able to note an improvement next year.