237 



for stallions examined and approved to stand in certain districts at a 

 regulated fee so as to come within the means of small farmers. 



In the olden days Queen's plates were given in Jamaica and pre- 

 miums for the importation of stud animals for improving the different 

 breeds of domestic animals. The Law regulating this, 26 Vic. Sess. 1 

 c. 3, expired in 1866 and has never been wholly re-enacted, although 

 the Government has granted one Queen's purse for Kingston every 

 year until five years ago when it was discontinued. The Jamaica 

 Agricultural Society started for a short time to grant premiums for 

 stallions to serve in districts at a reduced fee and really good work 

 was done when the services of horses like Blue Rock and Blue Jacket 

 were available, but this bus also been discontinued. I would therefore 

 suggest the re-enactment of 26 Vic. Sess. 1, c. 3, with such modifica- 

 tions and improvements as the circumstances require Establish a 

 -system of premiums for stallions and proof asses to be stationed in 

 various parts of the island at such fees as shall be within the means 

 of all. 



Adopt the French system of examining and certifying stallions and 

 proof asses and allowing only such as are certified to serve. If any 

 more details as to the framing of the scheme and the Law necessary 

 for carrying it out are required, I shall be glad to give any further 

 information or assistance in my power. 



Hon. Dr. Pringle. : I think with the importation of good jacks, 

 with our mares — especially improved as I have before suggested, we 

 could produce the size mules best suited for Jamaica work and export 

 too. 



A. Roxburgh, Esq. : I don't think the want is in our mares but in 

 the jacks. Our mares would produce much larger mules if our jacks 

 were better. 



Some of my best mules are produced from 14 hands 1 inch mares, 

 of course they are roomij animals. This I consider a sine qua non in 

 all breeding that is to be successful. 



The foal or calf or any thing miisthsLYe room to grow before birth. 

 However with the mares on hand but with better jacks we can pro- 

 duce a much better stamp of mule than we do. 



Messrs. T. H. Sharp & Son : Our mares are quite good enough, a 

 large premium should be given for the importation of jack asses from 

 Malta. The progeny of the Maltese ass gives a splendid all round 

 mule. The Kentucky asses and mares are unsuitable to this island. 

 They breed big and worthless mules. 



J. Shore, Esq. : I am of opinion that prepotency in the sire is of 

 more advantage than large mares. 



Good big jacks, well built, are better than smaller ones mated with 

 *•' big mares. 



I have found that the dums as a rule convey their outward charac- 

 teristics (such as quick or slow draught, good or bad gait, &c.) to their 



