CHAPTER X. 



GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP OF STALLIONS. 



The question of government ownership of all service stallions deserves 

 more than passing notice. What France has done, and is still doing, in 

 that line, is well worth pondering over. By a decree of Dec. 9, i860, 

 subsidies or prizes of from 100 to 600 francs each (according to the breed- 

 ing and quality) were authorized to be given to approved mares with 

 colts by government stallions. Besides this, large sums are given in 

 prizes at the annual exhibitions. May 5, 1870, the department of agri- 

 culture appointed a director general, eight inspectors, twenty-six sub- 

 directors, ten superintendents and twenty-six veterinaries. The work 

 of this department was so satisfactory that, in 1874, the number of stal- 

 lions owned by the government throughout France was ordered in- 

 creased 200 per year until they should number 2,500, and the appropria- 

 tions necessary for prizes awarded to breeding animals should reach 

 1,500,000 francs per annum. 



WHAT THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT IS DOING FOR HORSE- 

 BREEDING. 



In this organization by the French government there has been one 

 central object constantly kept in view; that is, the encouragement of the 

 people, by every means possible, to adopt a higher standard of breeding. 

 In order that this purpose might be accomplished, the choicest stallions 

 of the different breeds and types were introduced into each locality, and 

 offered for use to the mare owners at a nominal fee for service. To 

 further prevent the use of inferior animals, a decree was issued in 1885 

 excluding from public service all stallions not authorized by the govern- 

 ment. 



In 1S87 the government owned 2,460 stallions, and exported 34,518 

 horses from France during the same year, as shown by statistics, which 

 demonstrates the appreciation other countries have for French horses. 



WHAT THIS COUNTRY MIGHT DO IF UNDERTAKEN. 



This country could accomplish far more under a similar system, from 

 our vast extent of territory and abundance of cheap feed. But as long 

 as every individual is determined to breed just what his peculiar whims 

 may suggest, just so long will we fail to have a uniformity of our horses 

 in the different types. 



BREEDERS' ASSOCIATIONS. 



If the various breeders' associations of the country can accomplish 

 the work of breeding from only the sound stallions and in uniform lines, 

 we may yet see great results, but it looks as though nothing short of 

 government control will bring about the desired results. 



