200

with the general run of the students who presented themselves for examination.
On this point Veterinary Captain Gunn, in comparing the students who passed
from the various schools, reports as follows:—

    "The candidates from the Lahore School were fairly well up in their subjects and handled animals well
but they did not display that sharp intelligence which was so characteristic in those at Ajmere. The Lahore,
students have the advantage of seeing a large practice of both Equine and Bovine patients, but, on the other
hand, the classes are very large and difficult to handle.

    777.  The Entrance Examination was held on 12th April 1897. The com-
petition was greater than it ever was before. There were 125 candidates for 12
vacancies for admission as " Free " students ; amongst these candidates were 13
men who had passed the Entrance Examination of the Punjab University, but
unfortunately these men were unfitted for the work, being unused to and afraid
of animals. This is not the class of men we require; we can easily make a
little want of education subservient to aptitude with animals.

    778.  That the Subordinate Establishment of this Department is becoming
most popular is borne out by the number above stated as having applied for
admission to the Lahore College, and on the question of the employment of
these men the Principal states that at present there is a very good demand for
well qualified Veterinary Assistants, and nearly all the men who have passed
are employed. He, however, points out that there are three other educational
establishments in India, and that this must in time have the effect of creating
more competition for appointments; this will be an advantage, as it will tend to
make those who are employed work better, knowing, as they will do, that if
they lose their appointments from carelessness or bad conduct, they are not
likely to be re-employed.

    779.  On a former occasion I pointed out that although the demand for
Veterinary Assistants is at present great, still that we have at present quite suffi-
cient educational establishments, as in time, when the ranks are full, it would
be difficult to find employment for more than will be passed from the existing
institutions. The demand is, however, likely to be great when the scheme for
the Subordinate Veterinary Establishment, which at present is under consider-
ation by the Government of India, receives sanction.

    780.  In addition to the requirements of the country we often receive
applications from outside, and during the year under review, we have received
an application for four Veterinary Assistants for service with the East African
Protectorate.

    781.  I am pleased to state that the position of Veterinary Assistants em-
ployed in the Transport Department has been improved greatly of late. Prior
to this they were only considered as camp followers, and were styled Salutris;
now they are designated "Transport Veterinary Assistants".

    782.    The practice of this establishment has suffered a little during the
past year, the numbers being as follows:—

    The falling off is mainly due to the out-door equine patients, and this is
entirely attributable to the fact that the Pathan dealers, who annually bring
between five and six thousand animals to Lahore for sale, have been prevented
from coming in any numbers this year owing to the cost of grain and fodder.

    783. Shoeing Class.—This is yearly becoming more popular, and I regret
that I cannot see my way to recommend any increase in the numbers of pupils
that can be educated in this most important branch; the applications are great-
ly in excess of the number that can be admitted, still it will be readily under-
stood that not more than six men can be trained in one forge. The six men
trained during the year were examined by Veterinary Captain Joslen and Veter-
inary Lieutenant Turnbull, and all passed.