•JAMAICA 



BULTjBTIN 



OF THE 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Vol. I. SEPT. & OCT., 1903. Parts 9 & 10. 



THE IMPROVEMENT OF HORSE-BREEDING IN 



JAMAICA. 



Report of the Committee of Enquiry to the Board of Agri- 

 culture. 



His Excellency the Goveraor in a letter to the Board of Agriculture, 

 expressed his desire that the Board should formulate practical propo- 

 sals for improving the horses of the island. A committee consisting 

 of Messrs. C. E. DeMercado and H. A. Cousins was appointed to en- 

 quire into the matter and report to the Board. 



A circular letter was drawn up an 1 sent to all the chief breeders 

 and authorities on horseflesh in the island. Thirty-five detailed re- 

 plies were received. Extracts from which are given below. 



They are arranged seriatim in the order of the terms of reference 

 in the circular and after each is given a summary by Mr. Cousins upon 

 whom in the absence of Mr. DeMercado the duties of the Committee 

 devolved. 



Circular re Encouragement of Horse-Breeding in Jamaica. 



Sir, 



In accordance with the special desire of His Excellency the Gfover- 

 nor, the Board of Agriculture propos-'S to formulate practical sugges- 

 tions for the improvement of Horse Breeding in Jamaica. We have 

 been appointed to investigate and report thereon to the Board and have 

 the honour to request your valued assistance and advice 



We submit the following points of reference for your observations. 



1. Should stallions be imported ? If so, of what type or 



types ? 



2. Is it desirable to import mares ? If so, what are your prac- 



tical recommendations ? 



3. What are your opinions as to the present standard of horse- 



flesh producible in Jamaica ? 



