BREEDING. 59 



entirely untainted Vv^ith any inferior cross, 

 and kept as brood mares for the turf only) 

 are thrown out to grass for the summer sea- 

 son without farther consideration ; only tak- 

 ing particular care that no geldings, or year- 

 ling colts, are suffered to accompany them 

 in or near the same pasture, for some few 

 weeks after conception. 



Mares of an inferior description in gene- 

 ral use for the saddle, or those for agricul- 

 ture, may be continued in their common em- 

 ployment with moderation ; they seldom suf- 

 fer abortion but by great and improper exer- 

 tions ; they are therefore very frequently used 

 till within a few weeks of dropping their bur- 

 then, without the least fear of inconv^enience. 

 This is a fact so universally established, that 

 instances have repeatedly happened of mares 

 obtaining stolen leaps when out at pasture, 

 without the knowledge and very much against 

 the inclination of the owners : this circum- 

 stance, froQi various motives, has been con- 

 sidered so prejudicial, where breeding has not 

 been intended, that different and powerful 

 ii\ethods have been adopted, as the adminis- 

 tration of sarinc in large quantities, violent 



