106 REPORT OF THE SCOTTISH COMMISSION 



are not large, so that any accidental infection would probably be 

 eliminated by the absence of the means for its propagation. 



4. The opinions expressed by Canadian farmers, ranchers, and 

 others interested, vary greatly. Many hold the view that with 

 another market opened up by the removal of the restrictions on the 

 importation of store cattle to this country, a great inducement 

 would be offered towards a much more rapid increase in stock 

 farming. The view has also been expressed more than once that 

 if the cattle now sent as fat animals to this country were allowed, 

 when fat prices were unremunerative or unsteady, to go into 

 our store markets with the object of undergoing a further six weeks' 

 or two months' feeding, a mutual advantage would accrue to the 

 Canadian exporter and the home feeder. Others again are more 

 in favour of making use of the cheap food stuffs, produced in Canada, 

 to finish the fattening of their own cattle there, and rather rely on 

 the formation and fostering of a dead meat trade by means of the 

 establishment of packing and chilling houses at suitable places, 

 than being dependent on a live stock export trade, either of beef 

 cattle, or stores. Yet another section look on the question with 

 indifference. 



Horses 



The introduction of the present race of Canadian horses is 

 credited by history to the Spaniards, who, when they invaded 

 Mexico in the beginning of the sixteenth century, brought over 

 large numbers. Many of them were subsequently abandoned, and 

 they became the wild animals of the prairies, and increased and 

 multiplied exceedingly. The soil and climate of North America 

 nurtured and nourished these horses until she had waiting for her 

 settlers a race of animals well fitted for pioneering work — animals 

 fleet of foot, strong bf sinew, and long in wind. It is interesting 

 to study the breeds of horses evolved from this foundation and the 

 breeds subsequently introduced. 



For the present purpose it will be sufficient to consider these 

 under two classes — 



1. Riding and Driving Horses 



The standard-bred trotter is nearer the heart of the true 

 Canadians than any other horse, and no other horse is more talked 

 about by them. He represents their best in turf sport. Not only 

 in every city, but in almost every township a well laid-off half- 

 mile trotting track is to be found, fully equipped with grand stand 

 and judges' bench. Races, as a rule, are not an annual event, but 

 occur bi-annually or quarterly. Canadians cannot claim the standard- 

 bred trotter as originating with themselves. The men of the 

 United States have that privilege, and in this way : away back 

 towards the end of the eighteenth century some wealthy citizens 

 of the Western Republic conceived the idea that the native breed 

 was well suited for crossing with fast thoroughbred blood. With 

 that purpose in view they imported from England a famous double 



