CHAPTER XVIII 



BREEDING QUEEN'S PLATES 



In later years, horse-breeding in England has been rele- 

 gated to private enterprise, but the foundation was laid by 

 a persistent eifort of Government for over one hundred 

 years. Until quite recently, a sum of money was devoted 

 annually by the throne, for the encouragement of horse- 

 breeding, which took the form of ' Queen's plates. That 

 sum has now been increased, and devoted to a purpose, 

 which is thought to attain the desired object better, than 

 by granting prizes for races. The money is devoted to 

 subsidising approved stallions to serve the mares of farmers 

 in stipulated districts, at nominal fees. This effort on the 

 part of Government is supplemented by private enterprise, 

 in the shape of the Society for the Improvement of Hunters, 

 and combines its funds with the grant of Government. 



In all ages of the Turf, there has been a cry of the de- 

 generacy of horses. That there are more bad horses bred 

 now than formerly is true, but it is also true at the same 

 time that there are more good horses bred, and the best 

 of modern horses are superior to those of bygone days. 

 Their records show greater speed and greater perfections 

 in courage, shape and temper. 



It may be that too many foals are bred within a given 

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