44 KENNEBEC COUNTY SOCIETY. 



of 1860, will give a little insight into the importance and magni- 

 tude of this department of farm stock. 



In 1850, the number of horses in Maine, was 41,721. In 1860, 

 they came up to 60,638, being an increase of 18,91Y, or nearly 

 20,000 in ten years ; allowing their average value to be $50 each, 

 and it would amount to $3,031,900. We all know that in 1861, 

 the present unhappy war broke out, which immediately created a 

 vast demand for horses to be used in the various departments of 

 the army ; and it is creditable to Maine that she has furnished so 

 large a quota of such excellent horses, as all who know anything 

 of the facts, are willing to allow she has. 



The uses of war and the sevei-ity of battles destroy immense 

 numbers of these useful animals every month, and the call for them 

 is urgent and continuous. It is therefore an indisputable fact that 

 the business of rearing horses, which in time of peace was profita- 

 ble, becomes doubly so now, and will continue so for a number of 

 years. Our farmers therefore should be alive to this interest, and 

 spare no pains to raise those which shall be A No. 1 in every par- 

 ticular. 



