132 



THE HORSE, ASS, AND MULE 



shows and (2) to maintain a studbook of Belgian draft horses. 

 The studbook is published by a special commission appointed by 

 the society. To promote the work of this society the government 

 makes an annual grant of 30,000 francs ($5000). Besides this, 

 since 1890 national premiums have been offered for the best 

 stallions. This society has some noo members. The American 

 Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses 



FIG. 49. A quartet of Belgian mares in their native home. From photograph 

 by M. A. Van Schelle, Belgian commissioner to the Louisiana Purchase 



Exposition, 1904 



was organized in 1877 and works in harmony with the Belgian 

 society. Up to 1918 it had published six studbooks, including 

 a large number of registrations comparatively recently. 



Draft-horse shows in Belgium are held each year at Brussels 

 in June. These are notable events, for here is the largest show 

 of one breed that is held in Europe. In 1912 at this show there 

 were nearly one thousand entries. While the exhibits come from 

 all over Belgium, the most important ones in recent years have 

 come from Brabant and Hainaut and the provinces of Liege and 

 Namur. This has been regarded as one of the most remarkable 

 horse shows held in the world. Numerous agricultural associations 

 also hold exhibitions in Belgium, at which local horses are shown. 



