200 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



merit are being brought in and grade colts are multiplying. What 

 is the breed and what does its name signify? While writers may 

 differ upon other points, on this they are agreed, that the race traces 

 directly to the Arab stallions captured by the French from the 

 Moors in the ninth century. Here was the foundation of the Nor- 

 mans and Percherons of the present day. In the division of the 

 spoils the horses, or a large portion of them, fell to the soldiers of 

 France and especially to those of Le Perche, Orleans and Nor- 

 mandy. If it be said that the Arab type is lost, we have but to 

 state that there was a complete change in conditions, as well as 

 climate, either of which would have worked the transformation. It 

 has been modified by its labors. For centuries it has ranked as a 

 driving as well as a draft horse, and been of supreme service at 

 the plow or the cart, as well as on the road. The Percheroa of the 

 earlier days had a gray coat like the Arab, in fact that color seems 

 to have predominated, and being fixed by generations of breeding it 

 is seen to-day in a very large per cent, of the horses of the breed. 

 As they were largely used for the postillion, before the daj's of 

 railroads, this seems to have been the proper color, and was doubt- 

 less cultivated in order that it might be seen at a distance in the 

 night. 



The Percheron has long been noted for the abundant mane, large, 

 expressive eye, broad forehead, dilated nostril and full, deep chest. 

 A willing servant, it has been brought down through centuries, 

 exhibiting that mildness of disposition and readiness of action which 

 is recognized to-day as one of its leading characteristics. 



The earl}' crosses were doubtless on the Brittany mares, adding 

 to the size, and building up the larger types seen at the present 

 time. It may not be without interest to note the method which has 

 so long been followed in that section of France which has given the 

 name to the breed. 



That portion of France lying between the Seine and Loire rivers 

 and known as the Perche has for centuries been noted for the 

 superiority of its stock. A good farming section, with excellent 

 grazing and abundant hay and grain crops, the farmers seem to 

 have taken naturall}' to the work of perfecting the type of horse 

 most desired in that countr3'. In the early history' of the race they 

 were bred chiefly for the saddle, and substance and action seem to 

 have been the characteristics sought for with a patience and perse- 

 verance which brought its full measure of satisfaction. The country 



