13

64.     Oats.—Indigenous seed sown at the latter end of July and not irrigated
gave a good sample and straw fair.

65.     Salt Bush.—"A triplex Halmoides."—A small quantity of seed has
been obtained from "New South Wales" but are not sufficiently advanced to
determine whether the crop is likely to be a success or not.

66.    Sheep.—A small flock of breeding ewes from Beluchistan, the Deccan
and Australia have been kept by me at Ahmednagar and crossed with Siah Band
rams from Beluchistan. These sheep are famous for the excellent quality of
the mutton and fine fleeces. The ewes have done remarkably well and the first
crop of lambs so successful that I have determined to considerably increase the
flock. A detailed report of this experiment will be given next year.

67.     The depôt and service stallions of the Ahmednagar District are still
located in one corner of Remount Rearing Depôt. On my arrival here I imme-
diately reported the danger and unsuitability of the place for so many valuable
horses. Plans and estimates have been called for and a site selected, and I
trust ere long that suitable stables will be built.

68.     Veterinary Dispensaries.—The following have been visited by me
during the year. Progress has been made and good work done, but there is
still room for improvement. I have omitted any details as to number of patients
admitted, expenditure, &c., as these will be given in full in the annual report of
the reviewing officer of these institutions.

                                Nadiád, Ahmedabad, Karáchi.

69.     Syces.—The question of Government stallion syces is one of importance
and should receive more consideration than at present. It is a very common
opinion that any man who calls himself a syce and has had charge of a horse of
any description is fit and qualified for the position. There are several stands in
the Presidency where the sole charge of the horse and his work are left in the
hands of the syce, and I need hardly point out that unless he be a capable man
the results cannot be satisfactory. 1 would suggest that all syces undergo six
months' training at the Ahmednagar Depôt and if at the end of that time found
to be thoroughly trustworthy good men, their services be engaged for a given
term on conditions "that they are liable to be sent to any part of the Presidency,
and at the end of fifteen or twenty years' service entitled to a small gratuity."
We should in this way secure the services of specially trained and skilled men,
and I feel sure add considerably to the efficiency of the Department.

                                                                J. W. A. MORGAN,
                                            Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department,
                                                                                        Bombay Presidency.

B 360—4—