STALLIONS, BROOD MARES AND FOALS. 135 



not is of course not definitely known; but they 

 are so nearly in accord with the results of my 

 own experience and observation that I have no 

 hesitation in accepting them as substantially 

 correct. It appears to be true throughout all 

 animal life that the very large breeds of any 

 species are not so prolific as the medium or 

 average sized ones; and this fact should not be 

 ignored in considering this question with refer- 

 ence to horses. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION AFTER THE 

 SEASON CLOSES. 



The condition of the stallion for the next 

 season's business will depend largely upon the 

 manner in which he is kept from the close of 

 the present one until the next season com- 

 mences. In most cases the period from the 1st 

 of October to the 1st of March is one in which 

 the stallion is not called upon to do duty in the 

 stud, and usually but little is done after July 1. 

 It is a period of rest, of recuperation from the 

 drain upon the functions of the sexual organs 

 which service in the stud has required; but it 

 should not be a season of pampered and over- 

 fed indolence, as is too often the case. When 

 it is convenient to do so, the very best possible 

 treatment that can be resorted to during this 

 period is to use the stallion at light work. If 

 a draft horse that has been (as they all ought 



