9

64. Thirty (30) of the original mules bought to commence the scheme
were cast and sold at a profitable price, as it was considered that they would
not grow sufficiently to be of any use for Ordnance purposes.

65.  The scheme commences to bear fruit next year, when 120 mules will
be ready for the service and 100 in each succeeding year.

66.  Donkey-breeding and Rearing.—A scheme for the breeding and
rearing of donkey stallions on a small scale was sanctioned last year, and the
results, so far, have proved that from every point of view it is a complete and
thorough success and worthy of extension. The present state of donkey stock
on the Farm is as follows :—

These are used for donkey and mule-breeding on the Farm and for covering
zemindars' mares.

There are 23 mares and 26 colts, either bred on the Farm or purchased in the
districts.

67. The average measurements of the brood mares and 2 year old colts,
are as follows :—

One young mare on the Farm measures 7 7/8 inches under the knee, which
I think conclusively proves that with careful selection and judicious rearing,
we can breed donkeys, better, more powerful and in every way suited to our
requirements at less than one-third the cost, than we can buy indifferent ones
in foreign markets.

68.  Table XIX shows that the Farm has been worked at a small profit,
after paying all expenses: salaries of Office Establishment, etc., and that the
estimated value of the stock present at the end of the year is Rs. 2.26,590.

69.  This is very satisfactory, when it is taken into consideration that
nothing but cast animals have been sold and that the results of the present
reorganization will not be apparent until next and the following years, when the
output of all kinds of stock will be steady and continuous. Every endeavour
has been made to work the Farm on thoroughly practical lines and to keep
and breed nothing but the very best class of stock. In future, I think,
with ordinary seasons, it will be possible to work it at a profit instead of, as
hitherto, a loss to Government.

70.  The greatest credit is due to Veterinary Captain Farmer for the keen
and zealous manner in which he has managed the Farm and for the successful
results he has achieved.

                              V.-BACTERIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.

71.   During the year under report, the Imperial Bacteriologist has carried
out a series of exhaustive experiments with regard to the immunity conferred
by Rinderpest Bile. The results, so far, tend to prove that at present we are
unable to apply the method in any practical form in this country.

72.  Further experiments have been continued with a view of determining
the best and quickest method of producing a serum which shall possess a high
protective value. This is a matter of the utmost importance and no effort will
be spared to improve upon our present system.

73.  The experiments with regard to the various samples of sera deposited
at Meerut, Quetta and Muktesar, are interesting and show that to prevent