30 CATTLE SURVEY OF THE AMRITSAR DISTRICT. 



1868-69 but since then there has been no distress among the people 

 deserving of mention and, owing to the large proportion of cultivation 

 irrigated by either wells or canah, it is now practically secure from 

 famine. It may be mentioned that the crops matured in the famine 

 year of 1899-00 amounted to 76 per cent, of the normal. Cattle fodder 

 is eaid to have been scarce in the years 1896, 1900, 1901 and 1906. As 

 stated above, the cattle suffer severely when rain is in excess and the 

 autumn of 1908 was a particularly bad year in this respect in the 

 low-lying parts of the district. 



VI. FAIRS AND SHOWS. 



67. The cattle and horse fairs held regularly at Amritsar are renown- 



ed throughout the Province and well known be- 

 yond it. Their origin may be traced from the 



time of the Sikhs. At one time the cattle fairs were held outside the west 

 gate of the city and the horse fairs within the city. For rather more 

 than 20 years they have been managed by the Municipality and they are 

 a great source of income to that body. 



The cattle fair has now been definitely allotted a piece of ground on 

 the side of the Jullundur road south of the tahsil buildings and the horse 

 fair is held on the ground between the city and the fort. 



The fairs are held twice a year that is at the Baisakhi and Dewali 

 festivals. They usually last for about ten days. 



68. Statement III supplied by the Municipality shows certain parti- 

 Number of cattle present, culars in regard to the number of animals brought 



Statement III. to foe cattle fairs, the average prices obtained and 



the amount realised in fees during the years 1906, 1907 and J908. A very 

 large number of animals especially buffaloes change hands at these fairs 

 and there is considerable dealing in camels. As may be gathered from 

 the record of the average prices realised most of the animals are very in- 

 ferior in quality. Butchers and skin-dealers are the principal purchasers. 

 A certain number of working bullocks may be offered for sale at very 

 high prices. Good milch cows are rarely offered and most of those be- 

 long to the Gujars of Amritsar City. 



