2

Number of stal-
lions present.

    7. The totals remain very much the same as last year, viz:—

    383 horses as against 386 in 1896-97, and 17 ponies against 19
last year.

English Stal-
lions.

    8.    During the past year 15 horses were received by importation from
England; 16 were shipped, but one died on the voyage out. Of the 15 received
two were sent to Bombay, the remaining 13 went to Northern India. Eighteen
were purchased, but two being two year olds, were retained by Sir John Watson
and will be shipped early next trooping season.

    9.    The horses received this year show a marked improvement on those
received last year; not that by this I mean to assert that none received last year
were good; far from it, for we have such horses as "Prank" and "Thessalian"
in the batch; but this year, when I say there was a marked improvement, I mean
that they were a much more level lot, there not being that marked difference
between the first and last.

    10.    On this occasion we have been sufficiently fortunate to secure the ser-
vices of the following horses:—

    "Pitcher"—A grandson of 'Hermit.' This horse combines both quality and
substance. Winner of Chesterfield Cup.

    " Peacock "—A particularly nice horse and well suited to the mares of this coun-
try, except for his rather drooping quarters.

    " Cato II"—A horse admirably suited for the mares of this country, possessing
as he does, both power and quality.

    " Oleander "—A very symmetrical horse, and one likely to suit our mares.

    " United "—This is a small horse measuring only 15-0½, but he is on short legs
and having good bone and being very compact, will, I feel convinced,
get good stock.

    " Devoue "—by ' Sheen,' a really good horse, except that he is a little weak
behind.

    "Crowbottom"—A little light below the knee, 7¾, but a good stamp of horse,
and one that should get good stock.

    "Esternell" and "Klondyke" are both nice horses, but being only 7½ below the
knee are, I fear, too light for this country.

    The only two horses that I do not like are:—
" Tom Bowlin II"—Showing, as he does, but little quality and being badly coupled.
"Terribus"—Being overtopped: measuring, as he does, 7½ below the knee. He
has a straight shoulder and is wanting in arm and thigh.
Taken as a whole, Sir John Watson is to be congratulated on his
success in obtaining such a good batch. I know, requiring as we do, absolute
freedom from hereditary taint, how difficult it is to secure the class of horse which
it suitable for India.

    12.    I am well aware how much easier it is to criticise a horse than to buy
him, and very few are bought with which some fault cannot be found, still, I
would hesitate to record the above remarks as freely as I do, were it not that Sir
John Watson has so frequently told me that he invites criticism.

    13.    One point which he brings to notice is the amount of unsoundness which
prevails amongst Thoroughbreds in England. Great care evidently is taken not
to send out any but the soundest, as on arrival not the slightest trace can be found,
still, with all the care exercised, two horses received in 1896 and in 1897 have
proved unsound. They are—"Fandango" by 'Lowland Chief out of 'Merry
Dame ' who has turned a roarer. " Matabele " by ' Salibury ' out of ' Henbane'
has developed ringbone. I have communicated with Sir John Watson on the
subject in order that he may be able to cause enquiries to be made, whether these
diseases are traceable to the parent stock, and in order that he may avoid these
strains if necessary.

    14.    The difficulties connected with the supply of English Thoroughbreds
are evidently increasing, as Sir John Watson frequently in his letters states how
difficult they are to obtain; he mentions that the Thoroughbred breeders now
aim at long-legged striding animals.

    15.    I am glad to find that he approves of the Thoroughbred from Australia,
a market which he says he has always advocated.