±1 



kept within reasonable bounds, and the refusal of the 

 directors of the Highland and Agricultural Society to 

 accede to the request of the Shire Horse Society to 

 open classes for Shires at their shows is very unfor- 

 tunate and much to be regretted, because much good 

 might have resulted to both breeds in consequence 

 of their coming together occasionally for inspection. 

 The decision of the Highland directors is the more 

 unreasonable, since the Royal opens many classes for 

 Clydesdales at its annual shows. The question, often 

 debated, as to whether Shires and Clydesdales are 

 really distinct breeds need not here be discussed. 

 Breeders of Clydesdales, ten or fifteen years ago, 

 regarded quality rather than substance, and hair rather 

 than bone, consequently horses have deteriorated in 

 weight. Were the hair cut from the legs and the 

 flesh reduced from the ribs of many Clydesdales, they 

 would appear little heavier than ordinary tram horses. 

 This defect, however, is being gradually remedied, as 

 evidenced at agricultural shows during recent seasons 

 by the production of several extra heavy animals of 

 great future promise. A good deal can be said in 

 favour of both breeds, and, whilst Clydesdales are in 

 greater demand in Scotch towns than Shires, the 

 latter are decidedly in favour in large English towns. 

 Each breed is specially adapted for its particular class 

 of work, but, it goes without saying, that unless 

 Clydesdales rapidly develop in weight they will con- 

 tinue to take a very second-rate position for street 

 work in the commercial market. 



