20C BOARD OF AGRICULTURB. 



uniformity in the characteristics of the colts and in the distinguish- 

 ing features of the breed. 



Without disparaging other classes there seems to be special rea- 

 sons why the Percherons should be chosen by farmers as the type 

 to be bred. The illustration given at the head of this sketch is of 

 a horse possessing in a marked degree the characteristics of the 

 family. A stud}- of his several points will confirm the claims pre- 

 sented. 



One obstacle in the minds of many and which has stood in the 

 way of the increase of this stock in the East, and especially in 

 Maine, has been the scarcity of large mares to breed from, and the 

 fear to use those of ordinary size. The impression has prevailed 

 that the common mares of the country coupled with Percheron stock 

 horses would not produce well proportioned colts, and that the 

 danger of accidents would be greatl}- increased. But experience 

 has opened the e^es of breeders to the fallacy of this idea. Some 

 of the best formed, most symmetrical and valuable grade colts bred 

 in the State have come from mares weighing nine to ten hundred 

 pounds. The success of this breeding has been so often demon- 

 strated that no further evidence need be supplied. Medium sized 

 mares in fit condition to breed from, will produce as symmetrical 

 colts when mated with the medium weight Percheron as with an}'^ 

 other class. It is no uncommon sight in sections where these stal- 

 lions are patronized to see yearling colts as large if not larger than 

 their dams. No one owning a sound, well formed mare of merit 

 need hesitate for a moment about using a pure bred Percheron 

 stallion for fear of the results. In every section of Maine where a 

 stallion of this breed is or has been kept for service, abundant 

 evidence of this fact may be seen. 



Within the past few generations efforts have been directed to the 

 color question, and in many sections blacks are fast coming to the 

 front. While the gray may be as sure an indication of hardiness, 

 breeders recognize that there does not exist the urgent demand for 

 it as ceuturicd ago, and tliat the matter of color is as much under 

 the guiding hand of the breeder as any other quality. 



Without sacrificing any of the essential characteristics of the 

 Percherons, aitenlion is being directed to color and very soon the 

 wants of the public will be met. This accomplished and the great 

 objection of color entertained b\- farmers will have been removed. 



