8 TEE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



by tenant farmers who are frugal and thrifty, and good 

 tillers of the soil. The natural conditions of this region 

 all combine to make a most favorable environment for 

 this widely known and popular breed. Among the breeds 

 of draft horses that have been imported to America from 

 France, the Percheron leads both in numbers and in 

 popularity. 



2. History in France. France has long been noted 

 for good horses. The horses of France, like those of other 

 countries, were first improved for the purpose of war. 

 The Flemish blood was largely drawn on in early times 

 and importations of oriental blood were made at a very 

 early date. This blood was infused with the native horse 

 stock of France, which may have been Flemish in its 

 origin. The oriental blood imparted a degree of refine- 

 ment and finish that has ever since characterized the 

 modern draft-horse stock of France. 



Since 732, when the French defeated the Saracens and 

 captured their horses, infusions of Arabian blood have 

 been made, and the subsequent use of Arabian stallions 

 on the native mares continued as late as 1820. In this 

 way, a foundation was laid for a breed of horses possessing 

 activity, quality and strength. The extension of rail- 

 roads, reducing the use of the omnibus, seems to have di- 

 verted the breed towards a heavier type. This led to the 

 use of Flemish stallions. The conditions of La Perche be- 

 ing favorable for the growth of strong, active horses, the 

 breed started in this way made very rapid progress. There 

 are some features of French management that may have 

 had an influence also in directing the development of the 

 breed. It is a common practice to work the stallions, 

 and this may have been a factor of some effect on their 

 dispositions, making them more amenable to work. 



