56 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



of good disposition and well broken. All combined, will make a good 

 roadster. Fifth. The trotter. This class has its friends and its 

 enemies. They have more enemies in words than in acts. When a 

 trotting match comes oflf all are there. Those that have denounced 

 it are there. All classes of citizens are represented. All are in- 

 terested. Sixth. The farm and draught horse. This horse should 

 be heavy. The services of this class cannot be dispensed with. 

 With him we carry on our farm, haul our produce to market, and 

 as he is coming into more general use upon the farm, he too, should 

 receive attention. Seventh, and last, is the racer. But little is 

 known of him in Maine, and in these days of traveling by steam, 

 and communication by telegraph, our fast young men have not found 

 any use for this class of horses. 



The six classes first mentioned appear to be deserving of attention 

 and encouragement in Maine. The rearing of horses is important 

 and one that interests each member of this Board and every farmer 

 in Maine. It is a subject that is too much neglected. In raising 

 good horses it is very important to start right, and after starting 

 right, do right. Those that have been most successful in raising 

 good horses have worked their mares but very little, if any. If 

 they are used, their treatment should be kind and not overworked ; 

 neither before nor after she drops her foal until it is weaned. Colts 

 do as well weaned on hay. It is the practice of many to put them 

 in stables to wean them; that is objectionable, it is injurious for 

 them to stand on a hard floor. Colts do much better to run in a 

 yard with a warm shelter to go into at their pleasure. They should 

 have the best of care the first winter. A plenty of good hay and 

 water with one quart of oats per day, will be sure to improve your 

 colt, and he will come out looking finely in the spring. 



Colts should not be neglected. After their first winter they 

 should be kept growing. You cannot expect a good horse from a 

 poor half-starved neglected colt. Colts will do better not to be 

 stabled until three or four years old, unless the floor is well littered. 

 A manure yard with a good shed to go under would be better, then 

 they would get exercise which is conducive to health. 



The proper training of horses is very much neglected. Many 

 suppose when their young horse gets so that he will go in the road 

 and haul a carriage he is well trained, or at least sufficiently so that 



