The Dkaft Breeds of France 79 



Percherons outnumber in this couutrj all other breeds combined 

 is due, largely, to the cooperation of the French breeder with the 

 American supporters of their breed in furnishing the type of 

 horse required. In size, color, type and character, the American 

 trade has dominated the development of the Percheron more 

 than any other draft breed, but in catering to the American de-« 

 maud the French breeder has been amply rewarded. Much credit 

 for the early popularity and good start given the breed is due to 

 the enterprise and ability of the pioneer importers and breeders, 

 but the present importance of the Percheron breed may be said 

 to rest solely on its suitability to the needs and requirements of 

 the American people. 



Among the earliest and mose earnest workers for state-wide im- 

 ])rovement in horse breeding conditions was John W. Akin of 

 tScipio, X. Y., who from 1877 until his death in 1893 was the 

 largest breeder, importer and exhibitor of Percherons in the 

 East. 



Desirable ( 'hamclerisiics 



As a clean-legged breed of finish, energy and action, easy- 

 keeping, early-maturing, crossing well with our native mares, the 

 Percheron early found favor with the average American farmer. 

 The demand from the cities for the highest class of draft horses is 

 largely for Percherons. Grades of this breed last longer on the 

 streets than those of any other breed. 



Another point in their favor is the gray color. While other 

 colors are to be found in the breed, grays were most popular up 

 to twenty-tive yeais ago. In meeting the later demand for blacks 

 it is said that the black Xivernais were used in crossing with 

 the Percheron, which was unfortunate, since grays were soon in 

 favor again. 



The average Percheron stallion stands I6V2 hands, and ranges 

 in weight from 1,(JU0 to 2,000 pounds. The popular weight for 

 Percheron mares is from 1,600 to 1,800 pounds: in the West 

 mares of lieavier weights are popular. While Percherons are 

 fully up to the draft requirements as to size, they do not possess 

 the bulk or form of the Shire or Belgian. They have a little 

 more ran2;e of good width, a rounded contour, short back closely 



