7

18. The percentage of produce and not held shows improvement. The rise
in unknown cases is due to the fact that the place of the Itinerant Veterinary
Graduate in Khándesh was vacant at the close of the year and no returns were
received from that district. The following table shows the working of the prin-
cipal classes of stallions for the last two years :—

19.    The average number of mares covered per stallion and the average
number of produce known per stallion shows a marked falling off and must be
expected under the famine conditions of the country, and the percentage of
known produce to mares covered shows a slight improvement,

                                                (4).—Castration.

20.    Table XI shows that 35 colts were castrated during the year—6 by
the Ahmednagar Salutri and 29 by the several Veterinary Graduates, as against
5 and 28, respectively, of last year.

                            III.—HORSE FAIRS AND SHOWS.

21.    Table XIII shows that only one Horse Show was held in the Presidency.
It was held at Ahmednagar on the 12th, 13th and 14th November, and consider-
ing the severe famine the district has just passed through, was an undoubted
success. With few exceptions the animals were exhibited in high show condition,
which speaks volumes for the care and attention bestowed on brood stock by the
Deccan breeder. The Army Remount Department purchased 8 head of young
stock for the Rearing Depôt, one Police remount was purchased and 22 head of
stock changed hands amongst private persons. The total number exhibited, viz.,
432 against 488 last year, is, under the circumstances, most satisfactory.

                                            VI.—GENERAL.

22.    Tables XX and P show that the total cost of the Department during the
year amounted to Rs. 55,646 against Rs. 45,403 last year, showing an increase
of Rs. 10,243, due mainly to the increase in the establishment pay, purchase of
stallions and their maintenance. The total cost has been sub-divided under the
following sub-heads :—

Of this amount Rs. 8,842 were charged to Local Funds, Rs. 14,951, being
the pay of the Superintendent, were debited to the Imperial Fund, and the
remainder, Rs. 31,853, were paid from Provincial Revenue.