292 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



themselves, while very objectionable, yet it is not so much so as it would be 

 with the lighter horses. Draft colts can be made to earn their own keep from 

 the time they are two years old, when they can be put to light work. They 

 are not so hard to train as the lighter ones, as they are more phlegmatic and 

 take to their work better. If one is raising coach or saddle horses it may cost 

 more to properly educate them than the entire cost of the draft colt. 



The heavier horses are always in good demand on the market. They are 

 least affected by business depressions, by fads and fancies. If one is breeding 

 coach or saddle horses, they are usually considered pleasure animals, and the 

 first to be affected by business depressions. Again, the draft horse will be 

 the least affected by the motor car. Whatever else may be said, the motor 

 car has come to stay, and as there are about seventy thousand automobile 

 licenses in New York State alone, we can hardly gainsay that it has affected 

 the number of pleasure horses to some extent. 



If it is true, as seems to be the case, that the larger the horse the larger the 

 farm machinery, then it is true that more work will be accomplished per man, 

 and hence less human effort will be expended per acre. This will decrease the 

 cost of production and increase the net returns per acre, therefore the value of 

 the land is increased. Furthermore, if it is true that the draft horse is the more 

 economically raised, the least affected by business depressions, and worth the 

 most when ready for market, it would seem well worth while to give him greater 

 recognition in the east than has hitherto been accorded him. 



The Perchoron horse is probably the best of the heavy breeds for 

 New England markets and conditions. The Percherons have strong, 

 fine bone, good spirit and action, and the weight that is necessary to 

 haul heavy loads on smooth city streets. Although originally gray in 

 color they have been bred and selected for a darker type, until black is 

 as often found as gray. 



If those interested in draft horses in any neighborhood would com- 

 bine their forces for the purchase of a Percheron or other good draft 

 stallion, the improvement in the stock would soon be noted, and before 

 long money that is now sent out of the State for horses might be paid 

 to Massachusetts farmers. 



Sheep. 

 There are thousands of acres in Massachusetts that are well adapted 

 to the raising of sheep. It might almost be said, better adapted to 

 sheep than any other stock or crop. There is a home market for 

 mutton and winter lambs, and they can be raised at a profit. It would, 

 however, be foolish at the present time to advocate sheep husbandry 

 in Massachusetts, to give a description of the most desirable breed or 

 suggestions as to their care. The dog to-day is a privileged character, 

 and not until he is put under the same conditions of restraint as the 

 other domestic animals can sheep farming be safely carried on with 

 profit. Dogs should be confined to the land or property of their 

 owners, and either held in restraint or muzzled when they leave it. 

 We require this for all other animals, why not for the dog? Not even 

 our children are allowed as much liberty as the worthless curs that 

 make sheep farming in Massachusetts impossible. The remedy is not 



