13
"Both classes were troublesome in the ranks. The stallions were exceedingly pugna-
cious and noisy, and many of the mares were intemperate. We certainly did get wonderful
work out of our cattle on service notwithstanding these disadvantages, but we rode lighter
than troops do now. Certainly we mounted ourselves within the average 'chanda' of Rs. 200,
but I regard the remounts of that day as dear in comparison with what we can now get at
from Rs. 250 to 300.
"An experienced cavalry officer, while admitting the general correctness of my view,
once said to me that he did not think remounts now-a-days have such good constitutions as
those formerly procured. This may doubtless appear to be the case, because the cavalry is now
worked so very much harder than of yore. The ranks of many Bengal Cavalry regiments in
old days were filled with old horses which lasted on, because the work generally consisted of a
daily parade and no more. In the Punjab Cavalry, where in early days outpost duty was
heavy consequent on frequent raids, we got through our horses pretty fast.
"I have above stated facts as I have observed them. The conclusion which I draw from
them is that there is an immense improvement in the quality of the stock bred in the country
owing to three causes—
"(a) The provision of high class stallions;
"(b) Care in the selection of mares to which the services of these stallions are
available;
"(c) The encouragement to horse-breeding in the numerous fairs and the prizes
offered for good stock."
58. The remarks of the Inspector-General of Cavalry regarding country-
bred remounts, as noted in his report No. 444, dated 26th December 1891, are
quoted below:—
"The small compact horses lasted far better than the big ones. Most of the
Australians over 15-2 were much pulled down at the close of the manœuvres.
The country-bred horses of the 5th Lancers did excellent work. The regiment
is now almost entirely mounted on this class of horse; they compare most favor-
ably with Australians, and, as is well known, thrive far better on service when
on short rations.
"It is worthy of remark that the regiment that I reported last year as the best
drilled regiment in India had the fewest casualties at the close of the manœuvres,
only 4.32 per cent."
59. It may be accepted that with few exceptions the young remount
stock in Hapur, Kurnal, and Ahmednagar are the produce of Government
stallions and mares branded by the Civil Veterinary Department. It is in
contemplation to mount more British Cavalry on country-bred stock, as from
time to time a greater number can be issued from the Remount Depôts.
Number of colts
castrated.
60. In Appendix X (vide page 96) will be found the number of horse and
mule colts, the property of zamindars and other breeders, castrated by Govern-
ment salutries during the year. The statistics for the last 17 years are given
below:—
Years.
1876-77
1877-78
1878-79
1879-80
1880-81
1881-82
1882-83
1883-84
1884-85
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Bengal.
38
122
255
425
551
782
913
950
1,101
Bombay.
...
...
...
...
11
71
129
82
Years.
1885-86
1886-87
1887-88
1888-89
1889-90
1890-91
1891-92
1892-93
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Bengal.
1,138
1,363
1,211
1,273
1,303
1,248
1,602
1,144
Bombay.
122
68
76
98
72
127
320
326*
* Besides these, the Ahmednagar salutri castrated 63 colts of the Remount Rearing Depôt at Ahmednagar.
61. The salutries in Bengal have been enjoined to be more energetic in the
performance of their duties as castrators.