SOME FOREIGN BREEDS 139 



which takes its name from the district of Le Perche, 

 in the south-east of Normandy. Although its origin 

 is unknown, the Percheron is an ancient type ; and 

 it appears to have been largely crossed with Arab 

 and Barb blood during the Saracen invasion in the 

 early decades of the eighth century. In 1755 the 

 breed was crossed with Danish horses, and sub- 

 sequently English and Belgian stock was introduced, 

 while in 1820 other foreign blood was infused by 

 means of two grey Arab stallions, which no doubt 

 had a considerable share in inducing the grey colour 

 now prevalent in the Percheron. This modern 

 breed forms an ideal type of draught-horse, the 

 height being relatively low (from 15-^- to 17 hands 

 in stallions, and the maximum half a hand less in 

 mares), and the body compact and rounded, with a 

 full chest and broad back. The rump is, however, 

 short, and the tail set low — a feature showing little 

 indication in this respect of the Arab cross — and 

 there is also a lack of depth and fulness in the 

 barrel. The shapely legs and feet, devoid of large 

 hair on the pasterns, are very characteristic, and 

 the cause of the free action in walking and trotting. 

 In fact, next to the Clydesdale, the Percheron 

 has the best action of all draught-horses. The 

 colour is usually grey or black, although browns 

 and bays are not unknown. The breed has been 

 introduced into America, where it has become 

 very popular. 



