538 BREEDING. 



luimlred and fifty dollars. The other is worth from two 

 hundred to a thousand, and possibly more. The first will 

 scarcely sell for the cost of feeding and care. The second 

 insures a large jH-ofit, and this for a little additional first 

 cost. The fact is, breeding from poor, unsound horses is so 

 much a detriment, that it would be a damage to any one to 

 be compelled to breed from such stock, if given for the 

 jDurpose. 



In Russia, Prussia, and Austria, the breeding of horses 

 is controlled by the governments, each one having large 

 breeding establishments, where those wishing, can procure 

 sound stallions, devoid of all hereditary diseases. Each 

 stallion is furnished with a certificate from the government. 

 No other stallions are allowed to serve mares, under a 

 penalty. The result is, that you will scarcely find an 

 unsound horse, except from accidents, etc. Hereditary 

 diseases, such as ophthalmia, roaring, rupture, spavin, ring- 

 bone, curby hock, spongy feet, etc., are scarcely known. 

 It would be a source of undoubted economy and benefit to 

 the breeders, if the legislature of each State would enj^ct 

 such laws, by appointing competent inspectors to grant 

 licenses to those free from blemish or hereditary diseases 

 or unsoundness. 



A few years' breeding, under such restrictions, would 

 materially increase the value of horses in each State, and 

 thus be a real blessing to owners and the country. 



In selecting a stallion, first look carefully at his head. 

 The nostrils should be large and well defined ; eyes full, 

 bright, and clear, and good breadth between them ; the 

 ears lively, rather short and tapering, and the head high 

 between the ears. Next see that the throat shows no 

 enlargement of the glands, indicating a tendency toward a 

 whistler or roarer. The shoulder should be oblique, 

 strong and high, the fore leg not tied in under the knee, 

 for such are liable to spring. 



