(8)
account of their small size, and yet these animals would be a great acquisition to the herds of
Lower Bengal, where the average animals stand from 40 to 44 inches behind the hump.
66. A gradual extension of this process would certainty tend to improve the animals of
the country generally by raising their height and yet retaining their sturdiness. Although
small, these animals are capable of drawing very large loads, averaging 25 to 30 maunds, and
yet they are not large consumers of food, such as larger animals would be.
67. I would therefore accentuate my suggestion that all small Brahmini bulls between
the height of 50 and 54 inches, which are to be found roaming about in the North-West
Provinces and which are not required there, might be transferred to Bihar, and that smaller
bulls might be transported to Lower Bengal. This would be an economical way of im-
proving the breeds of cattle: there would also be an infusion of fresh blood, and the size of
the cattle would in time be gradually increased.
68. With regard to the Patna cattle, it seems a pity to allow the breed to deteriorate
for want of fresh blood of the original stook. I would therefore strongly urge that this,
which has almost become a special breed, be revivified by the importation of a few Queensland
bulls, which might be stationed at some of the principal head-quarters near Bankipore, such as
Arrah, Gaya, Chapra, and Muzaffarpur. Young bulls from good stock in the jails might be
reared and sent to some experimental farm, and when they reach maturity, they might he sent
or let loose just as are Brahmini bulls at present. They should have a large recognisable
brand, and be considered as Government property lent to the people.
69. The District Boards of Khulna and Sitamarhi have taken a keen interest in the
effort to improve their breeds of cattle. Two Sitamarhi bulls have already been given to
Khulna by this Department, and the Committee have sent Rs. 250 for the purchase and con-
veyance charges of a good bull of the Patna breed.
70. At Sitamarhi, under the direction of Mr. C. L. S. Russell, the Subdivisional Officer,
several European and native gentlemen have formed themselves into a society called the
"Sitamarhi Cattle Improvement Society," and they have not only given Rs. 250 towards the
expenses and prizes at the recently inaugurated cattle show, but they have also ordered from
the Government farm, Hissar, two good bulls. A copy of the proceedings in Appendix M-l
will be found interesting reading, and will form an excellent example to other District Boards.
71. It is regretted that one of the bulls obtained from Burma and sent to the ward's
estate, Serail, died from anthrax last February, as the experimental crossing of the Burman
cattle with those of this country would have been interesting.
Mule breeding.
72. Nearly two years ago a Persian donkey stallion was sent to Guntok in Sikkim, and
placed under the care of Mr. White, the Political Officer. It
was thought that as the people saw how anxious Government
were to buy good mules, they would take to mule breeding as an occupation. The ponies of
this district were known to be of a good sturdy sort, and it was considered that the mares
would throw good mules equal for artillery purposes if a good donkey stallion's services were
used. Up to the present the experiment has not been altogether satisfactory. During the
year 1894-95 only 18 mares were served, and during the year under report 16 mares
were covered (Appendix N), and the number of foals dropped has not been reported. It
might be worth while to continue the experiment a little longer, as country people are slow
to grasp an idea unless they see an immediate and ample profit result.
Fairs.
73. There are about 36 large fairs, where various classes of animals are disposed or, and
of these four of the most important fairs have been visited,
viz., Sonepur, Kalimpong, Barahpur
(Shahabad) and
Sitamarhi.
Sonepore.
74. I visited the Sonepore Fair on the 29th October
1895, and remained until the 7th November 1895.
75. When I arrived I made enquiries as to the number of animals present, and found
approximately that there were about 2,0C0 horses and ponies—mostly the latter—89 camels,
960 elephants, and about 4,000 head of cattle. The number steadily increased until the 4th
November, when it was estimated that there were 4,596 horses and ponies, 115 camels, 1,164
elephants, and an enormous collection of cattle, impossible to count, but probably amounting
to 30,000 head or upwards.
76. These figures I do not consider quite reliable, as there is no systematic arrangement
of enclosures, where the animals are admitted by ticket, and it is quite impossible, without
such an arrangement, to obtain anything like reliable statistics and such other valuable infor-
mation as is required by the Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department, in accordance
with his circular No. 928-171M, dated 21st June 1895, addressed to the revenue Secretary
to the Government of Bengal.
77. In course of time a similar arrangement to that carried out at Barahpur in Shaha-
bad may be arranged, but this can only be done by degrees.
78. No cases of glanders or farcy were reported. Last year in my report I stated that
one case had been detected, but that, owing to the Glanders and Farcy Act, XX of 1879,
not being in operation, the animal could not be destroyed, but was removed by the police.
79. Last year it was considered at a Committee meeting whether it would not be better
to advise Government to discontinue giving prizes for horses, and substitute a cattle show,
than to continue giving prizes to horse-dealers who did not care whether they showed their