142 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



and well adapted to New England uses. The thoroughbreds 

 are another safe kind to follow. The hackney I believe our 

 friend recommended, — those three breeds. I have no doubt 

 that the French coach horses, of which "Gemare" is a good 

 representation, would bring to us as farmers good returns 

 for use or sale or anything, and we would be pretty sure of 

 getting a good horse, with the best mare we have. 



Speaking of breeding fast trotters, showing the uncer- 

 tainty of it, I happened to know of the first colt that was 

 produced of the stallion " Sinclair," who was the prize stal- 

 lion in Massachusetts. The first colt that came from him 

 never was worth more than $125, — I doubt if he Avas worth 

 that. He was put in a milk wagon, but disgraced that, and 

 was taken out. A homelier horse I never saw, and perhaps 

 that was the highest type stallion of New England for a 

 while. I speak of this showing simply the uncertainty of 

 getting that kind of a horse, if you attempt it, for a fast 

 horse. It is very unsafe for us farmers to attempt any other 

 kind but French coach horses, which, according to my idea, 

 is the proper type to follow as near as we can ; and while 

 we are raising colts, if we do, let us get something which is 

 good. 



Three years ago I had three generations of horses raised 

 by myself on my farm. I have two now that are beauti- 

 ful horses, representing the American and the Percheron. 

 Not large and heavy, like the Percheron, a little larger than 

 the American, my little horse has taken first premium, and 

 his walkino- o-ait is more enormous than the trottinof one. 

 We are satisfied with a fast- walkino- horse to let him walk a 

 while, but cannot with a slow walker. For farm work you 

 want to have a horse walk as fast as you want him to, rather 

 than to have him only creep along. A fast-walking horse I 

 think is of more importance for the average family larmer, 

 — I don't mean sportsmen ; but it is decidedly of more value 

 than any other fast gait that we get. It is just as well to 

 breed a good Inn'se while 3'ou are about it ; but I beg of 

 you, my friends, don't try to raise a trotter. 



Mr. Smith. I think the gentleman who has just spoken 

 has hit the nail sipiarely on the head. lie has come down 



