268 HOW TO MAKE THE FARM PAT. 



desired for the farm, put the mare to a farm-horse, if for the 

 carriage, to a stallion adapted for a roadster. If the design is 

 10 improve the breed, without special reference to either, a 

 pure blooded horse will certainly, under our limitations, accom- 

 plish the purpose. If your stock is good, you may breed in 

 and iu, for two generations, but never more, that is with near 

 blood relations, and if your stock is degenerated, cross it at 

 once, with' some distinct strain of pure blood, to reinvigorate 

 and strengthen the stock. Where stock has already been long 

 inbred, breed up, by stinting the mares to the best thorough- 

 bred stallion that can be found, broad chested, and strong 

 loiued, about the height of the mare, but stouter. The fillies 

 from this cross will be larger and stouter than their dams, and 

 from them naay be bred again, still larger and stouter horses, 

 by the same process. 



The Canadian horse, we think, all things considered, the best 

 breed for the farmer, and if special care were taken to breed 

 only from the largest and most perfect specimens, or to breed 

 the mares to thoroughbreds of the Norman stock, the breed 

 might be greatly improved. It possesses endurance, but needs 

 a little increase in size, and decrease in weight, and increase in 

 speed. Judicious breeding, with this object in view, will 

 abundantly repay the breeder. We cannot close this subject 

 without entering our strongest protest, against the abuse of the 

 mare often practiced. She should never be put to the stud 

 before she is three years old, and it is usually much better to 

 wait still another year, that she may perfectly mature. Again; 

 let her have more of the companionship of the horse ; a single 

 connection does not satisfy her ; let them run together two or 

 three days, in a retired pasture, the disposition of your colt 

 will be enough better to warrant it. Thirdly, do not make her 

 bring a colt every year, it is too great a tax upon her, and the 



