248 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



Man}' members of the society, more interested in cattle than 

 in horses, also look with jealous eyes upon the horse exhibition, 

 and regard it as an innovation. From the fact that they derive 

 their income mostly from their cattle, it may seem quite natu- 

 ral they should do so ; but your committee express the hope 

 they may let fall the scales from their eyes and see the matter 

 in a different light. 



Your committee have also learned, with deep regret, that a 

 portion of the members who heretofore have used untiring 

 efforts to render the horse show attractive, have this year 

 endeavored to lessen the attractions of the exhibition. They 

 think the society does not extend that willing aid which is 

 required for a successful show. Upon their serious reflection, 

 we hope they will see the error of their ways, and the next 

 year, with a different spirit and renewed energies, make an 

 exhibition of horses in all departments worthy of the society. 



Divested of some of its objectionable features, which, in the 

 opinion of your committee, can be easily done, and with a 

 little more harmony among the different members of the 

 society, we do not see why the horse show should not be made 

 useful, attractive and profitable. 



* 



Marshall Flagg, Chairman. 



From the Report on Blood Mares. 



In the same proportion as the horse is the noblest of the 

 brute creation, and his services indispensable in value and 

 character to man, in every pursuit of life, it is obvious that 

 there should be a corresponding effort in the breeding of horses 

 to perfect the utility and beauty of the animal in blood and 

 breed ; and as the horse is as susceptible of pleasure and pain 

 as ourselves, and as the same laws govern his physical system 

 as govern ours, it must be apparent to all that intelligent care 

 and attention should be observed in developing the symmetry 

 and usefulness of the animal. 



The very common impression that any mare, however broken- 

 down or diseased she may be, is good enough for breeding 

 purposes, is a sad mistake, for it is a fact now beyond dispute, 

 that all constitutional or chronic diseases of horses are as trans- 

 missible from the marc to the colt, as chronic or constitutional 



