62 THE PEBCHEEON HOESE. 



of Tarbes, three important breeders, Messrs, de Gontaut, 

 de Bouillac, and de Montreal, ruined their studs with the 

 English cross. 



The Arabian can be used without fear upon the undulat- 

 ing slopes of elevated hills, and upon thin stony lands 

 where agriculture is but little advanced; but the English 

 horse requires rich, well-cultivated meadows and grassy 

 valleys. 



As regards form, the Arab cross is the surest. The sire 

 being, if I may so speak, siti generis, of a confirmed race, 

 and possessing for ages a like shape, his get always re- 

 semble him, no matter what may be the race, color, shape, 

 and derivation, of the dam. Only, in consequence of the 

 warmth and strength of his blood, the progeny is always 

 larger and heavier than the sire. 



It is not so with the English horse. Made up, and not 

 having the same confirmed nature as the Arab, he has not 

 the same sureness in generating. Sometimes his get is 

 large and sometimes smalL His progeny may be spare 

 or may be stout. This comes from his ancestors being at 

 times of one height and at times of another, and often 

 resembling different types. 



We have dwelt, perhaps, at too great length upon our 

 preference for the Arab cross ; it now remains to put it in 

 practice. The method to be pursued in making this cross 

 is simple. 



Having an Arabian of pure race, the heaviest and finest 

 bodied that can be found, put him to the heaviest and 

 strongest short-limbed mares. Sell the male produce of this 

 cross, unless it has been a perfect success. Be less strict 

 with the fillies, reject a smaller number, and use the good 

 for breeding. As much as their conformation will permit, 

 and in order to fix the Arab blood in a deeper and more in- 

 delible manner, some choice specimens may be put either to 

 their sire himself, or to such of the half-brothers as should 

 have proved themselves the best. But beyond the first trial, 



