BREEDS OF HORSES FOR THE FARM. G03 



in form, would scarcely be used for stud purposes. The average stature 

 is about 10 hands; they are rather long in the body. In the best speci- 

 mens the head is lean, eyes full and prominent, neck well arched, and of 

 moderate length : shoulders oblique, chest wide. legs placed well out- 

 tin- body, flat and muscular, with abundance of straight, soft, silky feath- 



g; ribs deep and well sprung, h< m and strong. One of 



chief essentials in a draught horse is freedom of action. In this respect 



( 'lydesdales are superior to most other breeds; they step out fr 



t the long, slinging gait peculiar to the race. They are high mettl 



and, except from the results of neglect and unkind treatment, are usually 



from vice. When used in one-horse carts, as they generally , 

 throughout Scotland, no other breed of horses can accomplish an equal 

 amount of work in a given time. The breed is held in high estimation, and 

 . mands high prices. Through the united exertions of a number of 

 iotic noblemen and gentlemen interested in the breed, a society ha< 

 been formed for the purpose of protecting the interests of breeders and 

 purchasers, l>v means of a Stud Book, in which all animals of authentic 

 igree can be registered at a small cost. This will no doubt greatly en- 

 hance their value, and enable the intelligent breeder to pursue his voca- 

 tion with _; i vater certainty of success. 



Shirt Horse. Ancient tradition accords to the rich fen land dis- 

 tricts of Lincoln, Huntingdon, and Cambridge a distinct race of bl 

 es, of tall stature and massive form. Animals of similar character] 

 type, though varying in size (the probable result of a change of soil and 

 climate), were spread over thecounties of Northampton. Warwick. Stafford, 

 ester, Derby, and Nottingham. Early historical records furnish de- 

 scriptive particulars of a similar breed inhabiting Germany, Holland and 

 ium. They were well known and extensively used l>y tin- Romans for 

 itary pm during the Roman invasion and occupation, no d<> 



e numbers were brought over to England, and l>eam- mixed with 



ices. Tlir l.r I appears to have thriven best in a country 



re and soft marshy soil. 



Tl Id Kmrlish l.lack ho- I heavy, OOane animal, with wid-- 



powerful |'; ;tid immt-nsc l-.n,-, ^,-nTall y inclined to be roir 



with flowing mane and tail, the legs cl<fthed with a profusion of coarse 

 p. Tln-ir colour was L'-'n'-ndly of a s<.,,ty Mack, with almost invai'ial.ly 

 whit.- niarkii)-- on the l.-.^s and a small white star on the fun-head. Ti 

 Were of ; h t.-mperament. Their short , steep | m-l upright 



to that freedom of action s desiraMe a quality in 

 Iraiiglit horses, Traliti n I'.arl of 1 1 unt ingdon impoi 



