9

There is no doubt that an improvement in the fleece of the indigenous
sheep can be brought about by judicious crossing with Merino or other selected
breeds. Continued effort and patience are indicated with a view to enlist
keenness on the part of the owners. Once the economic value of the scheme
can be brought properly home to them, much will have been gained.

Llamas.

25. The scheme for importing Llamas has been dropped. There were
many difficulties in the way, and it is doubtful if they
would be much use as baggage animals in view of the
fact that they are not capable of carrying heavy loads.

                                (4) FAIRS AND SHOWS.

Tables XIII and XIV.

26. Statistical information in regard to fairs and shows is obtained
from the districts concerned,—see tables XIII and XIV.
It is proposed to revise these tables.

Horse shows in non-
selected districts—table
XIII.

27. Imperial prizes and medals were provided at
Delhi, Ambala and Grurdaspur horse shows.

Horse shows in non-selected districts are not supported from provincial
funds. Prizes at horse shows are an inducement no doubt, but there is not
much keenness displayed.

Cattle fairs and shows —
table XIV.

28. The cattle fairs of the Punjab are a great institution and a very
large amount of money changes hands. Prize money is
almost invariably provided from local funds. In some
cases such as Amritsar the amount distributed is unneces-
sarily large. Medals were given from provincial funds at Lyallpur, Gujrat,
Hissar, Pakpattan (Montgomery district) and Talagang (Attock district).
Prizes for sheep and goats have been instituted at some places. Until animals
have a stud value, that is, until there is a market for animals for breeding
purposes only, it is doubtful if prizes serve any useful purpose at established
fairs. At these places trade is the business in hand, and the distribution of
prize money has no lasting influence. In starting a fair the distribution of
prizes provides some inducement perhaps.

Attendance of officers.

29. Most of the important shows were attended by an officer of the
department. The inspectors invariably attended all fairs
and shows within their charges, and one or more veterinary
assistants were detailed for duty also. Attendance at these gatherings enlarges
local acquaintanceships and tends to mutual understandings. When oppor-
tunity occurs, lectures or papers on veterinary subjects are indicated.

                      Part IV.—Subordinate establishment.

Strength of subordinate
establishment—table VII.

30. The establishment of subordinates at the close of the year was 184
as detailed below:—

The increase of 28 over the previous year includes three more veterinary
inspectors and an increase in the reserve from 5 to 15 per cent.

The work of the sub-
ordinate staff.

31. The additional veterinary inspectors have relieved the pressure
somewhat, but inspectors' charges are still too large. Their
work has been satisfactory on the whole, and there is no
doubt that they are a most useful class of officer. With-
out them it would be impossible for Superintendents to manage the large staff
of veterinary assistants with any degree of efficiency. They work hard and
loyally, and until they can be given the advantage of a post-graduate educa-
tion a higher professional standard cannot be expected. Veterinary Inspector