6

77.  It was got up altogether by the district authorities as an experiment with a view to
encourage horse and mule breeding, which are in a backward condition in this district.

About 300 head of stock attended the show, of which 256 competed for prizes.

78.  The Deputy Commissioner in his report remarks that more stallion power is wanted in
the district to improve the stamp of stock produced.

79.  At present the number of branded mares in Dera Ismail Khan is not sufficient to
warrant the allotment of a larger number than is at present standing there. Instructions
have been issued to the Assistant Superintendent, Horse-Breeding Department, Punjab, to
visit this district early in the ensuing cold season; and if he is able to brand enough mares
to warrant more stallions being sent, the wishes of the Deputy Commissioner will be complied
with as far as possible.

80.  The Deputy Commissioner reports that the general feeling was that the show occurred
too late in the season, and expresses a hope that, if it be held again next season, some time in
February will be fixed.

81.  The stock as a whole is reported as weedy, showing the necessity of a supply of good
stallions.

82.  The following remarks on the various classes competing accompany the report of the
Deputy Commissioner:—

Brood mares.—Above the average exhibited at frontier fairs.

Yearlings.—Seemed stunted in growth from wart of proper and sufficient nourishment.

Three-year olds.—Two                ditto                ditto               ditto.

Four-year olds.—Two only fit for the Native Cavalry.

Mules.—All fairly good, but not one was fit to carry a gun.

83.  In addition to the classes mentioned in the above paragraph, there were other exhibits,
the result of private breeding, which however, in the Deputy Commissioner's opinion, were
in many instances coarse, ill-shaped, and wanting in bone.

84.  Taken on the whole the show may be considered as a laudable endeavour to improve
the breeds of horses and mules in the district, and as such deserves encouragement.

85.  No Remount Agent attended the show, and the 3rd Punjab Cavalry having already
obtained their full number, did not require any. Unfortunately no officer of the Horse Breed-
ing Department was able to attend.

86.  No Government grant for prizes was allotted. Rs. 500 were raised by private sub-
scriptions and from Local Funds, of which Rs. 481 were awarded. It is under consideration
to allow a small sum from Imperial Funds for prizes next year.

Gujrat Horse
Show.

87.  This show was held on the 21st and 22nd March 1892.

88.  Six hundred and seventy-six head of stock attended the show against 726 in 1891;
353 competed for prizes against 380 last year. No reason is given for this falling off in
numbers.

89.  The District Officer's reports not having been received up to date, the following
remarks are taken from the Assistant Superintendent, Horse-Breeding Department, Punjab's
report only.

The fair was a success, and many good brood mares and fillies were shown.
The classes are noted on as follows :—