STUD BOOK POINTS 417 



ordinary varieties of the two breeds differ more in appearance 

 than the better sorts, which, as has been explained, are 

 probably more closely related than farmers generally sup- 

 pose. The late Lawrence Drew believed in crossing Clydes- 

 dale stallions and good Shire mares, as among the resulting 

 advantages were remedied the defects of the Clydesdale. 

 The best geldings of the present day are the progeny of a 

 Clydesdale horse and Shire mare ; for example, " Oldfield 

 Duke," bred by A. C. Sparkes, Oldfield, Altrincham. Such 

 breeding is quite in accordance with the best usages in the 

 improvement of all breeds, whether equine or bovine. The 

 fact that it has been followed on a considerable scale for 

 many years explains why it may be continued with advan- 

 tage, as the results will not be those that spring from cross- 

 ing between two distinct breeds. 



From the historical preface, Vol. II., of The English Cart- 

 horse Stud Book (1881), written by G. M. Sexton, Secretary 

 of the English Cart-horse Society, the following admirable 

 description of the points of the Shire horse is extracted : 



Feet. " No maxim was ever truer than ' No foot no horse.' 

 Weak convex feet and ossifications of the cartilages and 

 pasterns are evils which big heavy horses are prone to ; 

 therefore the object should be to discourage and eradicate 

 them, by care in breeding and selection. See that both feet 

 are the same size, not what are termed odd feet ; rather large 

 than small, the sole concave (avoiding flat or convex soles), 

 the hoofs black." [White feet are associated with white legs 

 (socks or stockings), which are now (1907) too fashionable 

 and too prevalent.] 



Fore legs. " The fore legs should stand straight, turning 

 neither inwards nor outwards. The elbows pinned in are very 

 unsightly ; besides, this defect prevents the proper expansion 

 of the lungs, making a narrow chest. The elbows projecting 

 too much is a defect, as the feet then turn in, causing faulty 

 action, called ' dishing,' and this defect also causes the animal 

 to cut the ankles. The natural position of the toe is immedi- 

 ately underneath the point of the shoulder. If it stands 

 much behind this point, weak, round, faulty joints are 

 generally the result If the toe projects beyond the point 

 of the shoulder the knees stand back, being what is called 

 calf-kneed. Extra strain on the back tendons is thus caused, 

 and with it an incapacity for hard work. The fore legs to 

 the knee should possess well-developed muscles, projecting 



2 D 



