ti 



5. The annual grants to hospitals have been increased and their equip- 

 ment has been placed on an excellent basis. A certain number of horse and 

 donkey stallions have been purchased. 



6. There is ample evidence that the Department has made great 

 strides in securing the confidence of the people. The success of inoculation 

 against rinderpest has contributed most towards this end. But the profes- 

 sional efficiency of the veterinary assistant has also increased and agriculturists 

 who reside within a reasonable distance of a hospital are very willing to 

 bring in their animals for medicinal as well as for surgical treatment. The 

 services of veterinary assistants were in extraordinary demand last year 

 during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. The greatly enhanced prices 

 of all agricultural stock are making cattle-owners give much more thought 

 than before to their breeding and management. The agriculturist's cattle 

 are of the very first importance to him, and there is every indication that 

 nothing will be more appreciated by the agricultural population than well 

 considered measures for the benefit of their stock. 



7. The followirg suggestions are now made as regards the application 

 of the new grant :- 



(i). The improvement of the breed of cattle. -I consider that thia 

 should still have the first place in the programme of veterinary 

 improvement. The experience of the last four years has shown 

 , that circumstances vary in different tracts and that there are 

 often special reasons which account for the small number of 

 bulls issued in some districts. In the Central and East 

 Punjab, it is generally easy to let a bull loose in a certain 

 area under the supervision of some trustworthy agriculturists. 

 The bull is maintained by the cultivators, and receives kind 

 and considerate treatment. But the case is different in the 

 South-West and North-West where grazing on crops is re- 

 sented and where it is difficult to get a bull kept free of cost. 

 It is anticipated that the whole question of breeding will be 

 taken up shortly on the appearance of the Provincial report on 

 the cattle industry of the Province, materials of which were 

 collected under instructions issued in my Circular No. 5/ 

 of 1909. 



In the meantime, the policy of a systematic and regular supply of 

 bulls should be adhered to wherever this is practicable. I 

 consider, however, that claims that District Boards should 

 meet the cost of the up-keep of bulls should be resisted. If 

 the people of a given tract really desire to have a good bull, 

 they should be prepared to at least feed it or to pay for ita 

 services. The policy of the future where free up-keep cannot 

 be obtained, should probably be to encourage private persons 

 to keep good bulls at stud and to charge for their services. 

 At the outset, it might be necessary to assist the movement by 

 providing a part of the cost of such bulls from Local Funds. 



(tt). The construction of veterinary hospitals. The present cost of a 

 complete veterinary hospital on the standard plan is Ks. 6,634. 

 The importance of good buildings cannot be exaggerated. 

 They inspire confidence, and agriculturists cannot be expected 



