10

41.  The mares branded in the Punjab are said to be of exceptional quality
and stamp. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, in his report
states as follows:—"I noticed in some of the districts—notably Shahpur, Dera
Ghazi Khan, Bannu, and Ferozepore—that the mares are remarkably well grown
and well cared for; in fact, those of Shahpur and Dera Ghazi Khan would, I
think, compare very favorably with brood mares seen at the various Agricul-
tural Shows in England."

42.  The difficulties experienced in striking mares unfit for brood purposes
off the register remain unchanged. It is hoped that when the Civil Veterinary
Department is in working order, we shall be able to obviate them to a very
great extent.

43.  With regard to mares, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Depart-
ment, Bombay, remarks: "During the past year my Inspectors have gone care-
fully through the following districts:—Poona, Ahmednagar, Dharwar, Nasik,
Satara, Ahmedabad, Belgaum, and Bijapur. The result has been that the
actual number of branded mares present, instead of being (13,972) as shown in
the last year's administration report, amounts to only 11,773, showing a decrease
of 2,199 due to sales, deaths, and other casualties. This alone is, I think, suffi-
cient reason for adopting some such return as I have suggested, i.e., a village
return by which the number of branded mares could be checked and accurate
statistics recorded. The services of Inspectors are not utilized in Sind, Baluch-
istan, Khandeish, and Cutch, so I am unable to check these districts in the
same way as I have the above. But I am of opinion that Sind, Baluchistan,
and Cutch would show an increase and Khandeish a slight decrease. There are
a number of old worn out mares in this presidency still on the register, and I
would suggest that a complete muster be made once in every three years
throughout the horse-breeding districts."

44.  With regard to Bengal, in the year 1889-90 the Inspectors in the
various districts verified the registers, and found that 4,942 mares had to be
removed from the list on account of deaths, sales, &c. The Governments of
the North-Western Provinces and Oudh and the Punjab have kindly consented
to patwaris of villages assisting the Civil Veterinary Department in obtaining
reliable returns of each mare covered and foal born in their respective villages,
and thus it may be expected that more reliable returns will be forthcoming.
The returns under these heads, hitherto received through zilladars employed,
have been meagre and unreliable.

Number of
mares covered.

45. The number of branded mares covered by Government stallions
during the past 15 years is as given below:—

46. This shows a considerable decrease in Bengal, which is accounted for
by the fact that only 175 stallions were employed against 194 in the preceding
year. A slight increase is noted in Bombay owing to a proportionate increase
in stallion power.