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known, all the stalls will be occupied by patients. Since the buildings have been completed,
several further improvements have been made, the most important of which has been filling in
of the tank near the post-mortem room. This was very insanitary and a serious source of
danger to the students and servants. It has been proposed that this new plot of ground will be
utilized as a garden for growing lucerne, guinea grass, and botanical plants.
504. Only 35 students have attended the classes as yet, but the institution
must be looked upon as in its infancy. Of the 35, one is a Christain, one a
Mahomedan and 33 are Hindus. I trust that the difficulty, which has
frequently been experienced with Hindus, viz., that they object to operate on
bovines, will not be experienced in Bengal, as if they do, they will pro
use-
less as Veterinary assistants. It is to be regretted that more Mahomedans
are not forthcoming.
505. The Principal in his report states :—
After the publication of the rules and regulations in the Gazette of 3rd January 1894,
applications were daily received, until the total number reached 210. As it was only proposed
to have 60 students during the first year, this large number had to be weeded out. All appli-
cants were communicated with in writing, asking them to appear on 26th January last. Each
individual was examined, and of the total, 66 young men were selected and their names presented
to the Board of Management as candidates who were most suitable as Veterinary students.
The majority of the applicants were not sufficiently good in the colloquial knowledge of
English to enable them to follow the lectures. On the 23rd February the selected candidates
were requested to attend the institution, but only 30 have apparently any intention of joining
the school. It is not understood why all those who were selected have failed to attend the
institution, except that it is possible many of them were disappointed in not receiving a
scholarship; nor were they assured of an appointment after passing the full course. But this
was specially pointed out to them, that future appointments could not be promised, nor
could it be stated what prospects there would be for graduates.
As the session commenced so late, it has been thought advisable to consider this only as
a preliminary course, as the session proper really opens on the 23rd June.
Fifteen scholarships of Rs. 5 a month each have been offered by Government, which are
to be held until the 1st November 1894. It was very difficult to decide to whom these should
be given, as it was laid down, as one of the conditions, that the first stipends should be allotted
according to the superior educational acquirements. Five of the stipends were awarded to
those who had passed the Entrance Examination, but only two of the five have joined the
institution. As there were no means of testing the remaining students except by an exami-
nation, it was thought desirable to select 13 who, according to the weekly examinations held
in the subjects taught in the institution, were most advanced.
Scholarships have also been awarded by the District Boards of Mymensingh and Patna,
and the Burdwan Raj has also offered to provide two of Rs. 10 a month each; but so far no
one has been sent for instruction.
The Sheo Bux Bogla Scholarship of Rs. 10 a month, founded by Dr. Kenneth McLeod
has not yet been awarded, but Babu Surendro Nath Bose has been recommended for it, on
the ground that he has proved to be the most intelligent and hardworking student in the
institution.
In 1887, when the subject of a Veterinary School was considered, several large land-
owners promised to establish scholarships and provide work for the successful students after-
wards. To these gentlemen a letter was sent, asking if they were still desirous of founding
scholarships or sending candidates for instruction to the Bengal Veterinary Institution. So
far, the only satisfactory reply has been from the Manager of the Burdwan Raj Estates, who
has promised, as above stated, to send two candidates and to give them each a stipend of
Rs. 10 a month.
506. As before stated, the hospital has not filled as well as it should; still
106 admissions took place from 10th January to 31st March 1894, which must
be looked upon as satisfactory.
507. The Principal attributes the small number of patients to two
causes:—
(a) The charges being too high.
(b) The owners are distrustful of leaving their animals in hospital.
I agree with (a). The charges at this hospital are very high, and I trust
that the Committee of Management will see their way to lessen them.
With reference to (b), I feel that as success attends the cases that are ad-
mitted, and that the institution becomes better known, all want of confidence
on the part of the natives will speedily disappear.
508. A forge has been started, but, owing to the high wages asked by
nalbands, little has as yet been done.