14

After the rains the sheep did well and casualties have been much under
the average of recent years. Forty-one ram lambs were sold for breeding as
against 67 last year. Enquiries for rams have recently been more numerous
and it is hoped more will be sold next year. In any case the flock is a source
of profit ; Rs. 2,136 were realized for .wool, and cast animals sold by auction
always realise good prices.

Cultivation.

8. During the year the following quantities of grain and fodder were
received from the five cultivation blocks :

Of the above birseem is a new crop for the Farm. The small area
sown did badly, possibly owing to its being sown too late, seed not being
available till October. It is proposed to again sow a small area in Septem-
ber 1917.

Jowar as usual suffered a great deal from the ravages of the borer worm.
Damage by this pest was general throughout the district. On the farm the
loss of fodder due to it was about 30 per cent. The year has been one of excep-
tional difficulty as regards efficient cultivation, mainly owing to shortage of
labour combined with extra work. Years of good rainfall always involve
this combination ; on this occasion the late rains increased the extra work
Owing to the rapid growth of weeds and jungle after each fall of rain areas
under preparation for Rabi crops had to be repeatedly ploughed at a time when
labour was urgently required for harvesting jowar and hay-making.

In addition, irrigation channels had to be repeatedly cleaned.

Hospital.

9. The average number of cases dressed
daily was 46.

Eight mules were castrated and one pony stallion.

183 cattle were castrated.

555 calves were inoculated against blackquarter.

228 heifers were inoculated against Hæmorrhagic septicæmia.

2,731 sheep were drenched owing to infection by " Hæmonchus
Contortus."

The existing hospital is very inadequate for the number and value
of cases treated. Plans and estimates for a new building have been submitted
to the Chief Superintendent, which, if provided, will give the veterinary staff
better chances to save cases.