115

675.     The numbers competing must be considered very satisfactory in Class
I. (c). Many would have been found suitable for Native Cavalry had a purchasing
Officer been present; as it was, a dealer had the Show to himself.

676.     The brood mare class was excellent, and contained many very good
roomy mares. In the young stock class, about 25 per cent. were good and well
grown.

677.     The pony mare class contained some very shapely roomy mares, in
every way suitable for mating with Arab ponies or galloways.

678.     The mule class was disappointing, as many mares had been covered by
donkeys. This industry is getting a firm hold in the State.

679.     This Show, as an organised institution, was started only 3 years ago
and had to be abandoned for two years owing to scarcity. As a comparatively
new venture, it must be considered a great success, and I can only add that it
surpassed all my expectations. My best thanks are due to Jinweda Khan the
Wazir of the State, for the great assistance he afforded me.

680.     The following stallions are maintained at the Stud :—

1

Thoroughbred Australian,

1

Arab horse,

2

„ ponies,

1

Country-bred,

2

Donkey stallions,

these cover mares belonging to zemindars as well as those in the Stud.

681. A horse and donkey stallion are also posted to each of the following
Tehsils :—Khanpur, Minchinabad, Ahmadpur, and Sadikabad. During the past
year, the following number of mares have been covered :—

          BY HORSE STALLIONS.

State
mares.

Zemindari
mares.

Total.

At the Stud ...

20

42

62

At Tehsils...

...

121

121

Total covered during the year.

183.

     BY DONKEY STALLIONS.

State
mares.

Zemindari
mares.

Total.

At the Stud...

24

3

27

At Tehsils...

...

89

89

Total covered during the year.

116

682. When we compare the number of mares covered by horse stallions
with the number covered last year, we find a reduction of 22, but there is an
increase of 6 mares covered by Donkey stallions. Considering the scarcity of
fodder which prevailed in that State last year, the result, in my opinion, is highly
satisfactory.

Faridkot.

683.     This State continues to take the same intelligent interest in the develop-
ment of horse and mule-breeding which it has evinced during the past 3 years.

684.     At present, two Arabs and one donkey stallion are employed. The
former have covered 138 mares during the past year, being a decrease of 22 when
compared with last year. Of the 160 covered in 1896-97, forty five (45) foals are
known to have been dropped.

685.     The donkey stallion covered 106 mares, being an increase of 18 over
last year. This number is too great, and seeing that mule-breeding is becoming-
very popular, I recommended that the State should purchase another donkey.