11

The remaining fairs and shows were either attended by the Veterinary
Inspectors of the Department or abandoned on account of scarcity of fodder and
prevalence of contagious diseases.

To prevent the spread of contagious diseases at fairs every animal is
examined by this Department before entering the fair ground. At the
Amritsar Dewali Horse Fair 18 cases of Equine Surra were detected and sent
to the lazeretto where they were detained and, after persuasion, eventually
were destroyed, This Department did all this work for the Army Remount
Department.

                                Part IV.—Establishment.

Numerical strength—Table VII.

30. The total strength of the subordinate veterinary staff was the
same as last year. The actual number working
during the year was—

At the close of the year 39 men (2 Veterinary Inspectors and 37
Veterinary Assistants) of this Department were working in the Military
Department. There were 3 dismissals during the year. Out of 44 vacancies
on 31st March 1918, 3 have since been filled up.

                                    Part V.-Expenditure.

Expenditure-Table XIV-A.

31. The expenditure of the Department is shown in Table XIV-A.
The figures are as usual supplied by the
Accountant-General, Punjab.

                              Part VI.—General Remarks.

General remarks.

32. The subordinate staff, with a few exceptions, has worked well.
The following men deserve mention :—

A great deal has yet to be done, but with the shortage of staff I fear it
is impossible to expect the men to do more than they are doing. Government
has been asked to increase the pay of the subordinate staff as it is less than
that obtaining in other provinces.

The clerical staff has worked well. With a view to improving its
prospects the question of bringing the men working in the different offices on
to one roster with the Agricultural Department is being considered.

The Chief Superintendent's thanks are due to Messrs. Taylor, Quirke
and Lala Kotu Ram for their loyal support.

                  Report of the Governmet Cattle Farm, Hissar
                                        for the year 1917-18.

                      A.—Review of the Chief Superintendent.

The year under report was a very satisfactory one. The monsoon did
some good, while on the other hand it did a great deal of harm. The good
grazing throughout the year was a great boon, because from my previous
experience animals thrive and develop on the good grass on the farm.

The farm has been as usual unfortunate regarding diseases, but the care-
ful management in dealing with them reflects great credit on Mr. Branford and
his staff.

Two hundred and six Hissar bulls have been issued to the District Boards
in the Punjab—the largest number on record. The Civil Veterinary Department
lectures in the villages on cattle breeding has increased the demand for bulls,
and it is very fortunate that the Punjab has a farm which can supply them.

There are now 3 pure bred Arab mares on the farm and one foal w s
born during the year.