80 ON BRBEDINa MARES. 



BREEDIJVG MARES. 



The Committee on breeding mares Report, as follows :-= 

 The number entered this year was much less than the last, 

 being but four. After having examined the animals entered with 

 as much care as time and circumstances would permit, they 

 were unanimous in the opinion that no premium should be 

 awarded. Upon the printed bill they find a general direction 

 given by the Trustees to all Committees, not to award a premi- 

 um unless the article or animal entered, is of a decidedly su- 

 perior quality. The Committee are o( opinion, that a mare 

 for breeding, should be free from any permanent lameness, 

 such as ring bone, spavin, or founder, or any other material 

 unsoundness. There can be no little doubt that there is much 

 risk of the transmission of those infirmities, in some form or 

 other, to their offspring. Other qualifications are also important. 

 Without attempting a general description, they would allude 

 to a few, such as, good size, kind disposition, good form and 

 action, and last, though not least, that she should be an easy 

 and quick traveller. Since the invention of steam, as a mov- 

 ing power, by which we are moved along with great ease and 

 rapidity, we have not patience in a carriage with a horse that 

 can move but five miles an hour. 



More horses an^ now raised in the county of Essex than 

 formerly. But litiie attention seems to be given to improving 

 the breed. But few of our most valuable mares are put to 

 breeding, until, by high feeding, and over driving, they be- 

 come of but little value ; then put to breeding. The first 

 cost of a colt from good stock is small compared with the after 

 expense of keeping until old enough for use. The price of 

 good horses in market, has doubled within the last twenty 

 years. If prices thus continue, (and to us there seems no reas- 

 son why they should not,) with good stock as breeders, horses 

 might be raised in this county, at as good profit as other stock. 

 There might much be said also, on the importance of the 

 male parent. But that subject is in the hands of a Committee 

 who without doubt will do it justice. The Committee take 

 the liberty to suggest, that if the trustees continue the offer of 



