216 AGRICULTURE FOR COMMON SCHOOLS 



and blacks, but bays and browns are sometimes seen. The 

 Percheron breed is very popular in the United States, and 

 no other draft breed is so largely bred pure. 



There are other breeds of draft-horses brought to America 

 in small numbers from France, which are frequently called 

 French Draft. This term includes a number of draft types. 

 The names Percheron-Norman and Norman are local names 

 and are not generally used. They usually refer to the Per- 

 cheron breed. 



2. Clydesdale. — This breed originated in Scotland from the 

 breeding of the native mares to Black stallions brought from 

 Flanders. The Clydesdale horse is noted for his rapid walk 

 and long stride. This breed is usually bay or brown with a 

 white marking on the forehead or face. The legs are usually 

 white up to the knees and hocks, and there is a considerable 

 amount of long hair on the legs. This long hair is called *^ the 

 feather" by horsemen. The nose should be straight, not 

 dished nor bulged as is often seen. The back of the Clydesdale 

 is somewhat longer than that of other breeds. Stallions usu- 

 ally weigh about 2,000 pounds and mares about 1,800 pounds. 

 Next to the Percheron the Clydesdale is probably the most 

 popular draft-horse raised in America. 



3. The Shire. — The Shire horse is the great draft breed of 

 England. In America it is best known in Canada and the 

 north central states. It is 'also popular in large cities for 

 heavy draying. This breed doubtless also originated in the 

 Black Horse of Flanders, but was developed and improved 

 in England. The Shire is exceeded in size by the Belgian 

 only. He differs from the Clydesdale in having a shorter 

 back, more "feather" on the legs, flatter foot, and a slower 

 movement. The foot is so flat as to be sometimes quite ob- 



