490 



Journal of A^griculturc . 



[lo Aug., 1910. 



results in the more forward development that constitutes the main features 

 of difference between Victorian and Xew Zealand colts. There is too 

 great a tendency in this State, and throughout Australia generally, to 

 depend on what is termed " natural " rearing, i.e., rearing in the paddock 

 the whole year round without any help from hand-feeding, or by housing 

 or the provision of shelter during the winter months. The neglect of hand- 

 feeding mav perhaps be excused in the rearing of geldings or w'orkers in 

 certain districts where the country is rich and suitable. These have not 

 necessarily to be at their best until three and four years old, and even then 

 full condition is not essential to effect a quick sale. But in the case of 

 stallions, it is different. Custom decrees that they must be ready for ser- 

 vice at three years old. Many are purchased at two years and two and a- 

 half years old ; and to command ready sale, they must be well grown, 

 big, forward and sappy at that age. These conditions cannot be pro- 

 duced unless the colt is kent moving in growth and condition from the time 



LADY VICTORIA. 

 Foaled 1896. Cham])ion Clvdesdale Mare, iSqf). Winner of Cawdor Cup, 1899. 

 it is weaned ; and this cannot be done unless the conditions as regards feed 

 in winter and summer are kept uniform with those prevailing in the spring. 

 Especially is it necessary that the colt should be kept in full, robust con- 

 dition during the first winter after weaning. This is the period when most 

 colts, suitable as regards breeding, size and otherwise, lose all chance of 

 developing into stallions worthy of the name. Certain it is that any 

 ground lost during the first winter can never be regained, no matter the 

 attention that may be given at a later period. This statement is not only 

 in accord with practical experience, but is capable of physiological proof, 

 and has been frequently demonstrated experimentally at Animal Experi- 

 mental Stations. It is an old saying that " Half the breeding goes in at 

 the mouth"; and, if by "breeding." in this .sen.se, is meant ultimate 

 excellence as regards size, weight and quality when maturity is reached, 

 the saying has ample foundation in fact. Furthermore, the " breeding " in 



