200

I would point out that the weakest subject of all the students is Bovine Surgery, nor can I see in what
way we can improve them in this subject, as their knowledge is absolutely and essentially theoretical. In the
case of Equine Surgery, we are able to show and make the students do every operation on the body of the horse
previous to dissection. Were we able to do this in the case of the cow they would be as well up in Bovine as in
Equine Surgery.

1103.     This is greatly to be regretted, as knowledge of Bovine Surgery and
Medicine is of the utmost importance in the training of Veterinary Assistants.
The attention of the Principal should be drawn to this point on his return from
furlough. One point I am glad to note is, that a contagious disease ward is now
under consideration. If the Agent to the Governor-General is of opinion that it
can be done without hurting the religious feelings of the people, cattle should be
purchased and the various forms of contagious disease should be produced by
inoculation; this would show the students the various forms of disease from
beginning to end, and would be the means of imparting much practical knowledge
to them.

1104.     It is not, however, only at Ajmere where practical training in Bovine
Medicine and Surgery is wanting; this is also felt at Lahore, and the suggestion
made by the Committee which assembled on the Hissar Farm to the effect that
all students should spend a certain time there, is worthy of consideration, for with-
out such practical training we cannot expect Veterinary Assistants to be of much
use in districts where their charge is mainly connected with cattle.

1105.    It is unsatisfactory to learn that no Nalbund Class was held this
year. The Officiating Principal, reporting on this subject, states:—

No men attended the school forge for instruction in shoeing during the year under report, as against 10
men who attended last year. This means a loss of Rs. 600 under this head alone to the school this year, as
each of these men paid Rs. 10 per mensem for a period of six months.

The cause of this falling off, I believe to be entirely due to the fact that they realize that the instruction
which they get in this school, under existing arrangements, is no better than they could get from any Nalbund
in the City.

1106.    I scarcely agree with him as he proceeds to state that he considers
it necessary that they should be taught to turn shoes and make nails; this I
consider to be hardly necessary, as the shoes and nails used in Native States and
Irregular Cavalry are generally purchased by contract. If the students attending
this class are taught the conformation of the foot and are able to prepare a foot for
shoeing, and further, if they are able to fit a shoe and to apply it, I think this
is all that will be found necessary. The attention of the Principal should, how-
ever, be directed to this subject on his return from furlough, as I consider these
Nalbund Classes to be of great importance.

1107.     The Officiating Principal brings to notice the good work done by the
teaching staff, especially by Mubarik Ali Khan and Ghulam Rasool Khan, the
former of whom will hold charge of this institution until the session commences.
Veterinary-Lieutenant Sullivan, who has officiated for Veterinary-Captain Hagger
on furlough, has shown great interest in his work and has done much to further
the interests of this institution.

1108.     The Agent to the Governor-General, Rajputana, in a Resolution on
the working of the Ajmere Veterinary School, states:—

Reviewing briefly the course of the four years which have now elapsed since this school was opened in Ajmere,
it may be said with some confidence that the results attained have so far justified its institution.

Eighty-seven students have received their training at the school. 41 of whom have successfully passed the final
examination. Of these, 27 belong to the Native States of Rajputana and have nearly all been provided with
employment in them, thus diffusing the advantage of their education throughout the Province of which Ajmere is the
centre. The school is still in its infancy, but it has succeeded in securing to a large extent the confidence of the
Native public, especially among the poorer classes. Its Principal has visited the capitals of many of the larger
States, and on more than one occasion his experience has been instrumental in tracing, if not in checking, serious
outbreaks of disease.

Bengal
Veterinary
Institution.

1109. This School has made most rapid strides during the past year. The
great faults generally noticed and complained of previously were want of manliness
and laziness. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bengal, Veteri-
nary-Captain Raymond, has worked hard to counteract these and has been
eminently successful. The steps adopted are described as follows:—

The curriculum.—A table of the hours of study is appended and should be read in connection with the
routine of hostel duties.

The amount of Chemistry and Hygiene taught in former years was hardly worth mentioning, but though
still quite elementary, the work under these heads has been more serious. In connection with Materia Medica
a little rudimentary Botany has been added to the curriculum.