BREEDING. 



431 



such a shock to the system as ruins its utility. While agricultural 

 teams, which are mostly pastured, are not unseldom the victims of 

 numerous diseases, as broken wind, etc. 



The common country sire probably is injured from an opposite cause. 

 Its food, during the early months of spring, is generally of too stimu- 

 lating a nature. These creatures are to be seen led about, very much 

 too fat for the proper performance of their functions. Obesity in other 

 animals does not increase fruitfulness, but rather suppresses its develop- 

 ment; and the author can perceive no reason why the heavier horse 

 should be an exception to a rule of almost universal application. Com- 

 mon stallions, as beheld at fairs and markets, are weakened in order to 

 please the ignorant farmers who employ these enervated animals to per- 

 petuate the thews and muscles of the mart for English horses. 



ATTENDS AT FAIRS AND ON MARKET DATS. 



From dams suffering under the consequences of an exhausted youth, 

 injured by the consumption of an innutritions diet, and debased by the 

 absence of that care and cleanliness which a northern climate makes 

 imperative, is the common breed of English horses replenished. Stal- 

 lions, however, afford a convincing proof that abundant food and perfect 

 rest, when unaided, will not impart vigor to a debilitated system. Few 

 racers are famed for their stock, till time, which weakens the powers of 

 the body, has effaced the consequences of early training. 



