VISITS TO REMOUNT DEPOT AT SAHARUNPORE. 857 
in the market, where it is hoped there will be a general improve¬ 
ment. Mr. ITallen, Staff Veterinary Surgeon, superintends this 
system for all India; Mr. Batt, V.S., acts under him for the North- 
Western Provinces and Rajpootana, his charge comprising a dis¬ 
trict larger than Prance; Mr. Merryck, V.S., for the Punjaub, 
represents a tract of country as large as Germany. These officers, 
for the insufficient remuneration of 200 rupees per mensem, in 
addition to their pay as army veterinary surgeons, are supposed 
to keep an account of all the brood mares in their districts, the 
stock produced, and what becomes of it. To carry this super¬ 
vision out thoroughly with so small a staff in such extengive 
districts, is obviously impossible; however, it may be a move in 
the right direction, and has yet to be proved. The price given 
for remounts ought to be a remunerative one to the breeder, viz. 
550 rupees for four-year-olds and upwards. When we consider 
the expenses connected with this effort of Government to im¬ 
prove the breed of horses in the country, it is obvious that a very 
large return ought to result in the way of increased efficiency of 
our cavalry and artillery. 
One officer of thirty years Indian experience is entrusted to 
purchase stallions in England in place of Mr. Phillips, who for¬ 
merly supplied them. There is no fixed price, and, on looking 
through sales of yearlings, it may be observed that some are pur¬ 
chased by this officer, to be kept until of sufficient age for 
covering. The stallions are sent out by troop ships and conse¬ 
quently the expense of transit is curtailed. The number 
imported in India annually is from twenty to thirty. These 
stallions, when not on their rounds, are kept at ITapur, and 
when in breeding districts, they cost about eight rupees per 
horse per month. There are hundreds of register keepers to pay, 
farriers, salootrees, &c,, and at least £2000 per annum is given 
in prizes for mares and geldings; the object of offering a pre¬ 
mium for the latter being to encourage castration, as there is a 
very obstinate prejudice against emasculation of their horses 
amongst the natives. It is to be hoped, as before said, that this 
free-trade system of horse-breeding may meet with success; if 
so, it may at some future time prove an example for imitation at 
home, where it is not impossible that some encouragement from 
Government may be required to keep up the supply of good 
horses in our markets, which, it is to be feared, is gradually 
failing us. The supervision is in excellent hands with Mr. 
Hallen, and that he is not idle or wanting in enthusiasm is well 
known. It is the working expense and want of support from 
native breeders that are the chief obstacles apparent; but if the 
sympathy of the latter can be secured, we may, perhaps, allow a 
large margin of expenditure to be placed against the national 
hi. 60 
