25
187. They were distributed as follows:—5 horses, 56 ponies and 70 donkeys
in the Punjab; 8 horses, 10 ponies and 15 donkeys in the North-West Frontier
Province; 44 horses, 6 ponies and 14 donkeys in the United Provinces; 7
horses, 12 ponies in Bombay; 12 ponies in Madras; 1 in Bengal and 1 in the
Central Provinces. The slight decrease in number was due to the fact that
the United Provinces Government was unable to purchase the full number
required during the year on account of lack of funds as was also the Punjab;
but these have since been purchased.
188. Table XI.—Gives the services of horse, pony and donkey stallions.
There were altogether 166 horse and pony and 99 donkey stallions on the register
and of these 55.59 horse, 107.23 ponies and 94 donkeys were actually employed
at stud, the number of mares covered being 2,900 by horses 4,770 by ponies,
3,740 by donkeys or an average of 52.17, 44.48 and 39.78. Thus, whilst the horse
and pony breeding remained normal, there was a falling off in mule breeding
especially in the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province. There is every
reason to hope, however, that now that the supply of donkey stallions' has been
placed on a more satisfactory basis and that the donkeys received from Europe
have become acclimatised and are doing good work, mule breeding will improve
greatly in the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province. The reason for
the falling off in average coverings this year is that the services of the newly
imported donkey stallions were strictly limited, so that although a greater
number of mares was covered, the average is lower.
189. There was an improvement in horse breeding in the North-West
Frontier Province.
190. The slight decrease noted in the United Provinces is accounted for by
the recent famine during which many breeders were obliged to sell their mares.
The operations continue to be very popular and successful in this province.
191. In Bombay there is a slight improvement, but horse-breeding in the
Deccan is reported to be a rapidly declining industry and the stands at Shola-
pur, Karmala, Nasik, Chalisgaon and Jalgaon have done badly during
the year, scarcely justifying their existence. The decline in the Deccan
is stated to be due to economic changes resulting in the necessity for horses not
being felt by the people to anything like the same extent as formerly; also
to the fact that a long series of bad years has forced many breeders to part with
their good mares. The Superintendent considers it improbable that horse
breeding will long survive in the Deccan.
192. In Gujrat things are somewhat different and the results are more
encouraging.
193. The Superintendent of the Central Provinces thinks it somewhat
regrettable that no stimulus can be given to horse breeding as the plateaux of
Balaghat and Seoni appear to be ideal for the purpose. It would be perhaps as
well to profit by previous experience and save our money.
194. An attempt is to be made to improve matters in Madras.
195. Table XII gives the average cost of feed, keep, attendance, etc., of
horse, pony and donkey stallions. There has been an all-round increase due to
a general rise in prices.
Fairs and shows.
196. Table XIII gives the abstract particulars regarding horse fairs and
shows held in the non-selected districts.
197. Table XIV gives the abstract particulars regarding cattle fairs and
shows. 133 were held against 72 last year. The total amount distributed as
prizes was Rs. 29,590-12-0 out of Rs. 44,875-13-6 available. One hundred
and forty-six medals were awarded against 53 last year. The total number
of animals competing for prizes was 80,915 against 14,731 last year and the
total number of stock present was 760,812 or about the same as last
year. The influence which these shows have on the encouragement of cattle
breeding varies considerably in different places and the remarks made last year
in this connection express my views on the subject. It is generally not to be
expected that owners of good cows and young stock will take the risk of
travelling their stock long distances and running the risk of the "evil eye,"
theft and exposure to diseases for the sake of a small money prize.