43 



The Government grants an annual subsidy of 3o,ooo fr. 

 to the Draught Horse Society. 



The Studbook of Belgian draft horses is published by 

 a special commission, appointed by the Draught Horse 

 Society : it contains actually n volumes; I2,63o stallions 

 and 21,767 mares have been inscribed. 



In addition to the encouragement mentionned above, 

 the Government lias offered since 1890, national premiums 

 for the best stallions. 



These rewards number 18 and amount to i,5oo francs 

 each, they are awarded in four district shows, to the three 

 years old stallions which have gained a first prize at the 

 shows instituted by the provincial regulations. 



Every year an exhibition is also organised in one of 

 the agricultural districts of Belgium, as well as a great 

 many exhibitions of agricultural associations, at which 

 horse shows of local interest are held. 



The study of matters concerning horse breeding is 

 entrusted to the Administration of Agriculture, officially 

 assisted by the Comite super ieur hippique, which was 

 established in April 1898. 



b) Cattle breeding- 



The Belgian Government encouraged by grants -the 

 importation of the Shorthorn breeds of cattle by the pro- 

 vincial authorities. 



These animals were bought in England by a Committee 

 delegation named by the Government or the Provinces, 

 and were publicly sold in Belgium ; the difference between 

 the cost price and the sale price was paid one half by 

 the State and the other half by the Provinces. 



The irrational enthusiasm for the Shorthorn breed, 

 the small judgment shown by farmers in using the English 

 bull, the b;id choice of the purchased animals in England, 

 the difficulty of cross breeding Belgian breeds with the 

 Shorthorn, and the difference in the living conditions and 

 feeding of the two races, were the principal reasons for 



