HORSES. 191 



not understand the art of raising good horses or else they have 

 been very unfortunate in their selection of breeding animals, 

 for it is a fact that very few first-class horses are raised in this 

 section. 



The reason for this we apprehend lies in the fact of not hav- 

 ing first-class thoroughbred animals, male and female, to breed 

 from. The old trite rule " that like produces like " is too im- 

 portant and too true a maxim to be neglected ; and although 

 there may be an occasional exception, yet its truth has been so 

 often tested that it is a mistake not to remember and practise 

 upon it. This has been well exemplified among the breeders 

 of neat stock, as seen in the different herds of Durliams, Ayr- 

 shires and Devons. To obtain the excellent qualities which 

 distinguish these different breeds, a systematic and intelligent 

 method of breeding has been followed, and the qualities most 

 desired have been diligently sought. The same course is to be 

 followed if we would either improve the present race of horses 

 or create another and a superior one. To be successful in the 

 raising of stock, the principles of correct breeding should be 

 thoroughly understood, and the rules to be followed should be 

 carefully studied, so that, aided by observation and experience, 

 an intelligent system can be devised, which, being steadily pur- 

 sued, greater certainty of obtaining the best results will be 

 assured. When everything is left to chance there can be no 

 reasonable prospect of success. We have not time to discuss at 

 length the principles of correct breeding. The books upon the 

 subject are full of instruction. A few suggestions which occur 

 to us, and which are often overlooked, are all that we can offer. 



And first, a rule which should not be deviated from is, never 

 to breed with imperfect animals, female or male. We mention 

 the female first, because many farmers believe that it makes but 

 little. difference whether the female is perfectly sound and vigor- 

 ous or not. A mare that has done good service both on the 

 road and on the farm is now broken down with hard work. 

 She has arrived at an age when the powers of life are beginning 

 to fail, and as she cannot work with her accustomed energy, she 

 can be " be turned out to light work and the raising of colts." 

 Now, although she may not be blinij or lame, and is apparently 

 sound, yet she is not in the full vigor of life, when all her phys- 

 ical energies are in full play, and when she is capable of giving 



