42 



BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



they have been most improved since about 1850. The 

 Belgian is a very compact, wide, deep, short-legged sort of 

 draft horse. He has a small head, perhaps, for his size; has 

 a broad chest; very wide, short back; a deep body; a rump 

 which may be quite wide and muscular, yet somewhat steep; 

 very heavily muscled, short legs; and medium-sized feet 

 which have been criticised sometimes as being too small for 



Fig. 19. A Belgian mare. 



Photograph by courtesy A. Van Schelle 

 of Belgium. 



such a heavy horse. The legs are free from hair, like the 

 Percheron. The Belgians show considerable activity when in 

 motion, and are powerful draft animals for their weight, 

 which ranges from 1600 to 2000 pounds, usually, according 

 to sex. They stand about 16 hands high. In disposition 

 these horses are very gentle and can be easily handled. Their 



