APPENDIX. xxxvii 



there were many specimens whicli in size, shape, condition and 

 development could hardly be surpassed. 



A valuable collection of horses was on the ground, and attracted 

 great attention. 



The importance of the proper breeding of these animals seems 

 to be thoroughly understood by the farmers of this section. The 

 committee on stallions and colts, have well remarked : 



" A stallion before the public is either a curse or a great benefit 

 to any locality where he happens to be in use, and it takes years to 

 recover from the damaging efiects of a poor stock horse ; conse- 

 quently, we must know beyond question the breeding and blood, 

 for at least three generations of any stallion on both sides ; and best 

 of all his stock must and will prove whether he is worth the atten- 

 tion of breeders. Your committee would urge all owners of good, 

 well-bred, sound breeding mares, ' as no other can breed a s.ound 

 colt,' the importance of a judicious selection. 



" We also believe that a stallion can and should combine qualities 

 so as to produce, not only well developed, good-sized carriage and 

 family horses, but have bone and muscle enough to draw the plough 

 and light road-wagon. * * If one should show a little speed, 

 we have yet to see the farmer that did not know it was worth some- 

 thing. But your committee would not recommend breeding for 

 speed entirely ; but a stallion — weight not less than 1,000 pounds, 

 showing blood-like courage, head and neck fine and clean cut, fine 

 skin, good disposition, strong, well muscled, clean limbs, large, 

 strong barrel, powerful, strong back and quarters, good feet, a full 

 long tail, good square trotting action, showing lasting qualities when 

 driven at a high rate of speed. Your committee believe such a 

 horse will produce good farm, carriage and family horses, and 

 occasionally a trotter, taking your common breeding mares as a 

 foundation." 



These principles and suggestions applied to the general business 

 of breeding would undoubtedly improve our animals and increase 

 their usefulness and value. 



The care taken by this society in regai-d to the pedigrees of 

 animals entered for premium, is especially praiseworthy and should 

 be observed throughout the Commonwealth. 



The exercises of the occasion in the hall, consisting, mainly of 

 an elaborate and scholarly address by President Clark, of tlic Agri-. 

 cultural College, upon the iin})ortance of professional and scientific 

 education of our young men, were interesting and instructive. 



Geo. B, Loring. 



