(7)
generally. Observations and experiments in regard to shearing, dipping, feeding
and general management will be carried out under responsible supervision.
A number of merino rams are being imported from Australia and elsewhere
where the temperature and climate most resemble that of India. These on
arrival will be introduced into these experimental flocks where they can be properly
looked after. An attempt will be made by judicious selection and mating to
arrive at a definite conclusion whether a superior wool-producing strain can
ultimately be evolved which will stand the vicissitudes of the Indian climate, and it
should be possible to ascertain which parts of the province are most suited to sheep
breeding and what classes of ewes are likely to turn out most successful.
FAIRS AND SHOWS.
See table XIV.
41. I personally attended and judged at the Khairabad agricultural show
and attended cattle fairs at Kosi. Mr. Wilson was present at the Karwi and
Sardhua cattle shows and the agricultural exhibitions connected with the districts
of Hardoi, Rae Bareli and Sultanpur. Regarding the Karwi shows Mr. Wilson
remarked that although there was an increase in the number of cattle, there was
no noticeable improvement in the quality of the animals shown. As stated by this
officer last year, this fair appears to be doing little or nothing towards the
improvement of the cattle of the neighbourhood. The Sardhua fair has been more
successful, and the type and character of the cattle found there appear more
satisfactory. At the request of the Collector of Balia Rs. 200 was allotted and
distributed in prizes at the Dadri cattle fair.
After some years of experience of cattle shows in these provinces I endorse
the opinion of Major Maxwell, a previous Superintendent in this department, made
in 1905, that the present system of awarding prizes for cattle has proved anything
but successful, and I would strongly recommend reconsideration of the question.
I am submitting my views on the subject separately to the Director of Land
Records and Agriculture for consideration.
SUBORDINATE ESTABLISHMENTS, NUMBERS, SUPERVISION AND WORK PERFORMED
See table VII.
42. During the year the subordinate staff has increased from 148 to 156 and
the strength of the establishment as it stood on March the 31st was as follows:—
Veterinary inspectors 16, veterinary assistants employed by the district
boards 110, by municipalities 15, by the Society for the prevention of cruelty to
animals one and 14 belonging to the provincial or head quarters staff (including one
at the Cawnpore Agricultural College).
43. Even now this is too small a number for the work in such a large
territory as the United Provinces, which is rapidly spreading. Many districts still
remain in an undermanned condition in regard to their veterinary staff and the
establishment of more veterinary dispensaries or hospitals is greatly needed in
some places. It is hoped that the creation of a grade of Deputy Superintendents
will in time relieve the Superintendents of a great deal of the routine work which
with the expansion of the department is necessarily on the increase. More of
their time can then be devoted to research and field work, and the personal
investigation of important veterinary and hygenic matters. These appointments
are also expected to give some impetus to recruitment by inducing a good class of
men to join the department.
44. The inspectors who have now been given an elementary course in
bacteriological methods are supplied with microscopes to assist them more
thoroughly in their diagnosis. They continue to do useful work in the inspection
and supervision of the veterinary assistants, the survey of cattle and the investiga-
tion of disease, while throughout the year they have carried out inoculation
operations and conducted campaigns against outbreaks of contagious disease.
They periodically inspect the cattle pounds, sheds, municipal working bullocks
and furnish regular reports on the working condition of the hackney carriage, tonga
and baggage ponies.
45. The districts of Dehra Dun, Bareilly, Mirzapur and Gonda still only
maintain one veterinary assistant, which is totally inadequate to their needs. In
Shahjahanpur one veterinary assistant has been reduced to provide funds for other
purposes and in Saharanpur, although provision is made for an additional
veterinary assistant, his appointment has been postponed to meet other expenses.
This inability or reluctance on the part of district boards to provide adequate
veterinary assistance and other facilities for the treatment of the livestock within