lo May. 191 -•] 



Ccrti fLCaiion cf Sial lions. 



291 



The summary, on page 290, of the five years' work will show the total 

 mimber of anim,als examined and the action taken. The detailed analysis 

 of the reasons for rejection have been given in previous reports, and may 

 be found in full in Rullt-tin Xo. 30. 



English Examinations. 

 Considerable zest was given to the breeding of draught horses last 

 season by the great increase in importations from Great Britain, a 

 total of 53 stallions composed of 39 Shires and 14 Clydesdales being 

 introduced as against nine Shires and four Clydesdales the previous year. 

 Importers realizing the necessity of introducing only sound animals were 

 careful to obtain certificates in England that would be accepted here. 

 Thev experienced some trouble however in doing this in respect of Scottish 

 horses ; and it was not until late in the year that the Glasgow Agricultural 

 Society, realizing the difficulties which faced both breeders and shippers, 

 took the matter in hand and appointed four veterinary officers to examine 

 on their behalf horses for export to Victoria. So that for the coming season 

 there should be little difficultv encountered. 



Transferred Certificates. 



The number of stallions examined in Great Britain. Xew Zealand, and 

 other States of the Commonwealth for which certificates were transferred 

 by this Department totalled 91, 44 being from New Zealand, 42 frcm 

 Great Britain, and 5 from New South Wales. 



In respect of the certificates issued in these countries some little con- 

 fusion has existed in the mind of holders thereof, to the extent that they 

 ha\-e presented them at shows, &c., and have been surprised that they were 

 not accepted. These certificates are issued as a guarantee that a V'ctorian 

 one covering a s'rnilar period for which a certificate would he issued if the 

 examination were carried out by a Victorian officer, will be issued without 

 further examination. Until however they are so transferred for. a Victorian 

 certificate or endorsed by the Chief Veterinary Officer of this State as 

 " recognised for Victorian Shows," they cannot be regarded officially. 

 Importers or buxers would therefore be wise in effecting a transfer as soon 

 as con\-enient after entering Victoria. More care is also necessary on the 

 part of buyers in noting the date upon which a certificate expires. This 

 applies more particularlv to New Zealand certificates which, if issued 

 prior to April the ist in any vear, are only transferable for a Victorian 

 certificate expiring on the ensuing 30th June, whereas New Zealand cer- 

 tificates issued after that date are exchanged for the Victorian one termin- 

 able the 30th June 12 months. In respect of certificates obtained in 

 the United Kingdom, if such are obtained prior to January ist, they are 

 considered as certificates for. the current sea.son, while examinations con- 

 ducted on or after January ist are transferred as for a certificate for the 

 subsequent season. These months of grace are allowed to enable stallions 

 to be got ready in Victoria for the season's sales, &:c., opening in July. 



