197

case of Bombay, I do not advocate the shortening of the course of training, bearing
in my mind that even with the course, extending as it does to 3 years, the
students are found to be wanting in practical knowledge.

1081. Why this failing should exist I cannot say, as there is good practice
in the hospital as will be seen by the following figures:—

Equine patients treated during 1897-98.

Bovine and other patients treated.

The number of in-patients greatly exceeds that of any other educational
establishment.

Lahore
Veterinary
School.

1082.    The teaching staff remained unchanged, but owing to the departure
of the Principal of the Ajmere Veterinary School, it was deemed necessary to
depute Veterinary-Lieutenant Sullivan, to Ajmere. This I greatly regretted being
compelled to recommend, but being short of Furlough Officers, I saw no remedy.

1083.    The examination at this School was held from 4th to 9th April. The
Examining Board was composed as under:—

1084.    The number of students who presented themselves for the final
examination was 43, of whom 38 passed. Five failed to satisfy the Examiners.
This is very satisfactory giving, as it does, a percentage of 88 successes.

1085.    I am pleased to state that a marked improvement is noticeable this
year in Medicine and Surgery, two of the most important subjects for a Veterinary
Assistant. This is partly due to the important change made last year by which
the senior and junior classes were separated, but it is also due to the institution of
a practical surgery class; one day a week being devoted entirely to practical
surgery when every student is required to perform (under supervision) with his
own hands, the various operations which he will be required to do in practice. As
stated by the Principal, this should give men more confidence when they are
thrown on their own resources. Referring to this, the Principal states:—

I have written a text book on Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and lameness for the use of the students. The
men now, therefore have, every advantage which can at present be given them in the short time they are here.
The success which has been achieved in Surgery and Medicine is in the opinion of the Examiners attributable to
the above improvements.

1086.    This School maintains its popularity amongst the people, as 150
candidates applied for admission whilst only 15 vacancies existed. The difficulty
experienced in finding suitable men is to combine education with a certain amount
of knowledge concerning animals. On this point, the Principal states:—

There were 18 candidates who had passed the Entrance examination of the Punjab University but
unfortunately these men were, most of them, unfitted for the work, being unused to and afraid of animals, and
consequently not likely to do any good amongst them.

1087.    The practice remains about the same as last year. Rs. 4,418-13-2
were realised as fees, being a slight increase on last year.

The numbers were as follows:—