RECOLLECTIONS OF MEN AND HORSES 



We can intensify defect as well as merit by a close 

 commingling of blood. 



Under date of January 20, 1890, Mr. Backman 

 wrote to me: 



" I thought that you would like to know that Mes- 

 senger Duroc has sired two in the 2.30 list out of 

 strictly thoroughbred mares. You like a fight and 

 I will give you a little opportunity. Praetor, 2.29^, 

 is by Messenger Duroc, dam by Vandal; second dam 

 Maid of Monmouth by Traveller; third dam 

 Amanda by Bonds Revenge. Praetor was bred by 

 Isaac W. Pennock of Kentucky, and is the sire of 

 Charley Green, 2.25, with but little work. John W., 

 2.29^, is by Messenger Duroc, dam Astrae, by Aste- 

 riod, son of Lexington ; second dam Banner by Lex- 

 ington. John W. was bred by George B. Graham of 

 Baltimore, Md., and Astrae was bred by R. A. 

 Alexander, and sold to one of the Browns of Brown 

 Bros., Baltimore. I purchased her from Mr. Gra- 

 ham, and you will find her in my catalogue of 1871. 

 It would seem that Messenger Duroc can get trotters 

 out of thoroughbred mares as well as Electioneer." 



Later Charley Green trotted to a record of 2.19^, 

 and Praetor sired the dams of the two pacers, Brevet, 

 2.20^, and Garnet, 2.14!. John W. reduced his rec- 

 ord to 2.244. 



Under date of April 7, 1890, Mr. Backman wrote 

 tome: 



" I bought Green Mountain Maid a few days after 

 she was bred to Middletown and she was brought 

 here that day or the day after. Her produce was 



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