198 BOARD OF ACRICULTURE. 



THE PERCHERON HORSE. 



By Dr. G. M. Twitcqell, Fairfield, Maine. 



Among the special industries absorbing tiie attention of the farmers 

 of Maine, that of horse breeding is taking an important place. In 

 every direction men are turning to this as the branch of breeding 

 which is to give the surest returns. Whether these expectations are 

 to be realized or not time only can tell. If, in the multiplication of 

 colts, quality is the prime essential sought after, then the industry 

 rests on secure foundations. 



The active demand for the stock produced in Maine has brought 

 wealth to many a breeder, and insures prosperitj^ to those who stud}^ 

 to produce what is wanted. In the breeding of horses Maine 

 occupies a peculiar position, and the advantage which has been 

 secured by years of patient, unremitting toil, and the expenditure of 

 large sums, can only be maintained by holding firmly to the highest 

 possible excellence. With the growth of the industry there has 

 followed a more critical demand, and the standards of former years 

 have been discarded. 



Indeed one can hardly appreciate how this idea of perfection rises 

 constanth', though slowly, as a man's conception of the character 

 of his horses grows within him. What is now needed is that the 

 agricultural press and other publications, stand b}' and sus- 

 tain this industry', not only in its completeness but excel- 

 lence. There is still an urgent demand that public sentiment 

 touching this question be more fully aroused to the importance of 

 breeding such classes as the market demands. The horse that can 

 be bred at least cost is not always the most profitable to raise. 

 Value at maturity, in connection with cost of production, should, 

 yes, must determine the lines of breeding. 



There is great danger of drifting into a condition where substan- 

 tial returns can hardly be realized, because men lose sight of the 

 end and consider onl}' present cost. Colts to sell at a profit must 

 be bred and reared with the one thought of merit. This, then, is to 

 be the foundation for success, no matter what class of breeding be 

 adopted. There is and will always be a demand for a choice article. 

 There never can be an overproduction of the best. This being true 

 the lesson is obvious. 



