74 Observations on Provincial Exhibitions, [no. 3, new series, 



culture ; and might themselves superintend an experimental field 

 of any particular culture, in order to give a practical proof to the 

 Ryots of the mode as well as of the advantages of the new culture. 

 It has been found advantageous even in Ireland to send round a 

 body of qualified instructors in improved farming and flax culture. 



16. Further, the Board of Revenue call attention to the fact, 

 that several of the Collectors suggest prizes for the improvement of 

 cattle, sheep, &c, and as they consider it a matter of great con- 

 sequence, recommend its adoption. They also propose enquiring 

 whether it would be advisable in some districts (as Tanjore, &c.,) 

 to introduce a few cattle from other districts at the expense of 

 Government. Thus the Collector of Tanjore writes, <6 there is pro- 

 " bably no part of the habitable globe, and certainly no part of India 

 M which produces such miserable animals, as are commonly used 

 46 here. The whole country being under irrigation, there is no pas- 

 " turage whatever. During the time of the cultivation they are fed 

 " on the last year's straw, and when the harvest is over they are 

 " turned into the fields to find what subsistence they can on the stub- 

 " ble." Coll. p. 124. The first observation that presents itself on 

 reading this statement is y that not only is it not surprising that the 

 cattle should be reduced to this state, but it is hopeless trying to 

 improve them, unless some better food than the dried rice straw of 

 one season and the stubble of the next, is provided for them. The 

 improvement of the breed of cattle and of sheep is now conducted 

 on scientific principles by careful observers, but in no case I believe 

 do they attempt to make crosses and raise the character of a breed, 

 without at the same time taking care that food is supplied which will 

 suit the improved breed, whether it be of sheep or of horned cattle. 

 The Board observe that the cattle of Nellore, Mysore, Coimbatore, 

 &c, and the buffaloes of Canara are known tobe very fine, andalittle 

 judicious expenditure in this way might be productive of much ad- 

 vantage. Having called attention to this subject in my essay on the 

 Productive Resources of India, p. 139 and 161, I would beg 

 to refer to the principles laid down by different breeders. Among 

 the first of these, is the great importance of climate, secondly of 

 pasture. You must first of all be in possession of a pasture suitable 

 for the new comers, &c., also to the objection of breeding in and in, 



