9
type by in-breeding, and hopes are entertained that the experiment, if care
is taken in the selection of the ewes, will succeed.
As regards mortality among the cross-bred sheep, it is stated that except
when very young, i.e., the first few days after birth, they are constitutionally
as strong as the indigenous sheep. The annual losses, however, in flocks
generally, from such contagious diseases as Black Quarter, Hæmorrhagic
Septicæmia, Sheep scab and Foot and mouth disease, are stated to be very
heavy.
Twenty Merino rams are expected to arrive from New Zealand this year
and will be entrusted to the care of influential Jagirdars and Zemindars.
49. Kangra and Kulu.—Of 25 Merino rams in Kangra and Kulu, 11
casualties are reported to have occurred up to the end of the year under
report, thus leaving 14 rams in the districts named. The Chief Superintend-
ent, Civil Veterinary Department, Punjab, does not consider the experi-
ment is run on proper lines to ensure success. He suggests the early importa-
tion of additional rams and some ewes, as the mortality amongst those already
imported, amounts to nearly 50 per cent.
The wool of the cross-bred lambs is reported as vastly improved, but it is
stated that the natives experience great difficulty in removing fatty secretions
from the fleece.
50. Baluchistan.—The Political Agent at Sibi imported some Australian
Merino sheep with the object of improving the quality of the fleece of local
sheep in the Marri hills. The results of these experiments have not yet been
communicated.
(2) Equines (under Local Bodies).
Horse, pony and donkey stallions.
51. Table X shows that at the end of the year under report there were
79 horse, 109 pony and 105 donkey stal-
lions maintained by Provincial Govern-
ments and Local Bodies, against 71, 105 and 100, respectively, last year.
Ordinary casualties account for the slight variations in the number of stal-
lions at the end of the year in all Provinces. In Bombay 13 horses and 27
ponies are shown as present, against 5 horses and 14 ponies last year. This
increase is due to the transfer of horse breeding operations in the Deccan
Circle, from the Army Remount Department to the Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment.
52. Table XI shows a slight increase in the average number of mares
covered by pony and donkey stallions, and a decrease in the average of those
served by horse stallions.
In the Provincial reports there is nothing special under this head worthy
of note, excepting the increasing demand for the services of donkey stallions,
and the usual complaint of the difficulty in obtaining a sufficient number for
issue.
53. The average cost of feed and keep of stallions, as shown in Table
XII, has decreased in every Province except Bengal and the North-West
Frontier Province. The cost in Bengal has risen from Rs. 113 to Rs. 248,
but no reason has been assigned in the Provincial report. There is only one
pony stallion in the Province. He is stationed at Dumraon and is the pro-
perty of the Raj.
Fairs and Shows.
54. Tables XIII and XIV furnish particulars regarding Horse and
Cattle Fairs and Shows held in the non-
selected districts during the year under
report. The figures reported are generally satisfactory showing an increase
in the number of animals present, as well as in those exhibited to compete for
prizes. The average price paid for remounts was less than last year. The
number of animals of all classes sold at these Fairs and Shows indicates a
satisfactory increase.