PART I.—IMPERIAL REPORT.

                            A.—MILITARY SECTION.

                              II.—MULE BREEDING.

Donkey stal-
lions. Number
of-

22. The number of donkey stallions at the commencement of the year
under review (vide Table I, page iii) was 325. Seventy-three were added to
the register, whilst 37 were struck off, leaving a balance of 361 on 31st March
1895.

Casualties and
Sales.

23. Of the total number struck off the Register, 11 died and 10 were des-
troyed (vide Table VII, page xxvi). Most of these donkeys were old animals, of
which, as pointed out last year, a great number exist. Many more that are too
old for stud work will be got rid of during the present year. Of the 11
donkeys sold (vide Table VIII, page xxvii), only three were cast, the remain-
ing eight were purchased by different States for mule breeding.

Number of
Donkey stal-
lions at stud
work.

24. The number of donkey stallions at stud work, was as follows:—

The small number employed at stud work is due to the great number of
animals received this year by importation, as well as to the number incapaci-
tated through old age.

Average num-
ber of mares
covered per
donkey stallion.

25. The average number of mares covered per donkey stallion employed
(Table IX, page xxviii) is as follows:—

The percentage or mares covered in the provinces comprised in Bengal is
satisfactory. It is somewhat below that of last year, but is as much as can be
expected, unless the donkeys are to be prematurely worn out. Last year the
average was too high, and this year that of North Punjab is again very high;
not that I think a donkey cannot cover 80 mares, but to obtain this high
average, some donkeys must cover over 100 mares.

Last year it was stated that the average of the Bombay Presidency, includ-
ing Sindh, was considered unsatisfactory, this year it is even worse.

Demand for
donkey stal-
lions.

26. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North-Western Pro-
vinces and Oudh, states:—

"The demand for donkey stallions is still greater than the supply. There are nine more
donkey stallions on the register this year than last, and I consider we could still find work for nine
or ten more."