62 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



when the French government began offering prizes for 

 trotting races, with the special object of encouraging long- 

 distance trotting, more especially under the saddle. 

 The races are usually for distances varying from two to 

 three miles, and are run over sod ground. The records 

 are established by the kilometer, which is about five- 

 eighths of a mile, without reference to whether the race 

 extended one or three miles. They are made under saddle 

 from a standing start and carrying not less than 120 

 pounds. As might be expected, those of the trotting 

 type are racier in appearance, being somewhat like our 

 own trotters, finely drawn, more angular than the coach 

 type, rangier in appearance and somewhat better in 

 quality. A horse of stamina and substance, as well as 

 speed, is required, for it is to be remembered that the 

 races are for long distances over turf, which demands 

 strong, bold going and powerful action on the part of the 

 animals. 



61. Speed records and races. As to speed, M. W. 

 Dunham, who was an extensive importer and breeder, 

 has compiled the following data from official records : 

 In 1891, there were 1399 contestants in races, 312 of 

 which trotted races of two to three and three-fourths 

 miles at less than three minutes per mile; 137 under 

 2 : 50, 112 under 2 : 45 and 62 under 2 : 40. One hundred 

 and one of the 312 were three-year-olds. The average 

 distance was 2^ miles ; average time per mile, 2 : 50 ; 

 fastest time for three-year-olds, distance 2^ miles, 

 6 : 33 ; fastest time for five- to seven-year-olds, distance 

 3j miles, 8 minutes. In further reference to speed it 

 may be noted that in 1877, Zacinthe is credited with hav- 

 ing trotted 18 J miles over a good road in 59 minutes, and 

 Niger in 1873 trotted 2j miles in 6 : 55. To prevent the 



