GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE BREEDING-STUD 207 



country was heavily wooded or ojjen. The fen hinds of Lincohishire and 

 Cambridgeshire, although low-lying, are nevertheless well adapted to horse- 

 breeding. Their light, fertile soil, luxuriant herbage, and free open country, 

 where neither fences nor trees interfere with the free circulation of 

 air and escape of moisture, all conduce to a state of atmosjjheric dryness 

 and salubrity, notwithstanding the numerous water-courses which intersect 

 the land. 



Soil suitable for breeding and rearing horses, although variable in its 

 nature, is influenced in a great measure by the extent to which it is drained 

 and wooded. In a well-drained, open country, where the moisture is carried 

 ofl' and not allowed to stagnate and become dissipated merely by evapora- 

 tion, a fairly strong clay may prove useful; while the converse of these 

 conditions will render the air so humid and damp, and the soil so cold, that 

 both plant and animal life will he prejudicially affected. Trees and fences, 

 by breaking the force of the wind and afl"ording shelter from storms, are 

 most desirable adjuncts in due proportion and when suitably disposed, but 

 when existing in excess they not only impart dampness to the district by 

 preventing the free circulation of air, but in summer-time they form a 

 breeding-ground for flies, which worry and torment horses so, that grazing 

 is interfered with and constant stamping provoked, causing serious damage 

 to legs, and especially to those of growing animals. 



To go into the subject of geological formation best suited to the breed- 

 ing of horses would open up a veiy difficult and debatable question. 



To what extent it influences the success or failure of breeding operations 

 it is impossible to say, but it is important to notice that by far the greater 

 number, and the most valuable horses, are bred and reared on the eastern 

 side of the country. 



When we come to examine the formations enclosed in this area it is 

 found that a large breadth of the country extending from the coast-line 

 inwards is alluvium, and beyond this to the west, chalk and the red sand- 

 stones predominate. Another feature about this horse-breeding area is 

 the small number of trees, the paucity of woodland and big fences, and 

 for the most part its flatness. 



There can be no doubt that good horses can be, and are, bred on every 

 description of geological formation, other things being favourable, but for 

 obvious reasons those referred to above appear to lend themselves to this 

 class of enterprise much better than do some others. 



Limestone we know is greatly extolled, and all other things being 

 favourable, is perhaps the best substratum that can be found for the 

 purpose, but without the " other things" there is little to be said in its 

 favour. 



