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241. Anthrax.—The investigation of methods of immunising against this
disease is still incomplete and is being carried out.
242. Strangles.—Experiments are being made in the preparation of an
anti-serum and vaccine.
243. Piroplasmosis.—Various methods of treating Canine piroplasmosis are
being tried.
244. Tetanus.—New methods of preparing an anti-toxin or vaccine are
being investigated.
245. Forests.—A large quantity of fuel and charcoal was obtained from a
distance of 3 to 4 miles.
246. The Nursery at Ritani was extended and a large number of Pine and
Deodar seeds were sown and grown-up trees replanted. To fill up blanks and
to replace inferior species, Kail (Pinus excelsa) is being tried as an experimental
measure. About 1,300 Deodar and Walnut seedlings were planted in different
places, but a great number of the former species died.
247. Bareilly Branch Laboratory.—Work was conducted at Kargaina
throughout the winter months. Twenty-six Veterinary Assistants received
instruction. Unfortunately, as in previous years, loss of time and animals
occurred from infection spreading among cattle under experiment and gave
further proof of the necessity of extending the Depôt. Captain Holmes
wishes to keep on record the utility of the branch Laboratory. Since its
establishment in 1902, many of the most important observations regarding
Rinderpest serum, Dourine, Surra and Epizootic Lymphangitis have been
carried out there. Each year the scope of work is increasing and the con-
venience of the experimental station in the plains is more appreciated.
248. Captain Holmes acknowledges the consistent and excellent work per-
formed by the whole staff throughout the year. He has worked hard and is
deserving of credit for the results achieved.
GOVERNMENT CATTLE FARM, HISSAR.
249. The following officers were in charge of the Farm during the year:
Mr. C. W. Wilson until he was transferred to the United Provinces of Agra
and Oudh in June 1908; Mr. E. Burke, Deputy Superintendent until the return
of the regular Superintendent, Major Farmer, from furlough in Europe in
November 1908.
250. This is the tenth year the farm has been under the management of this
Department, and it is satisfactory to be able to state that the work continues to
make good progress. This may be attributed to continuity of an intelligent
policy and to the energy of the officers entrusted with the work of carrying it
out. Not only have there been no marked deviations from the policy laid down
but we have been lucky enough to retain the services of the same officer as
Superintendent for a number of years, so that he has gained experience year
by year.
251. The system continues to give very good results, there is a marked im-
provement all round both in the property and in the stock and our position
annually becomes stronger.
252. The same rigorous weeding of stock is being carried out so that it can
now safely be said that the herd is far and away the finest in India. Animals
not up to our standard are readily bought by Zamindars and others interested
in breeding and purchasers from Foreign countries readily take our rejections at
a very good price.
253. Every branch of breeding has been very successful during the year.
The percentage of calves dropped has been high as has that of mules, whilst
donkey and sheep breeding are also in a flourishing condition.