THE POITOU ASS. 105 



nation disproved the idea of the Poitou mare being solely 

 adapted for breeding mules ; witness the magnificent 

 animals to be seen in nearly all the States, but notably in 

 Kentucky, Missouri, and also in New Orleans. 



Each farm in Poitou includes from three to eight mule- 

 breeding mares, according to the means of the proprietor. 

 These animals are very rarely used in the labours of the 

 farm, which are performed by oxen and young mules. The 

 mares are generally kept solely for breeding purposes 

 — for breeding mules, if possible ; failing that, for 

 keeping up the breed of horses. A mare is commonly 

 a mother before she is three years old. If the two-year- 

 old filly happens to prove in foal, she is insujQBciently 

 nourished on straw, chaff, and a little hay perhaps, 

 under the idea that low condition is desirable during 

 the period of gestation, and that starvation conduces 

 to successful parturition ; utterly disregarding the patent 

 and common sense fact that at such times the mare 

 requires extra nutriment for the support of herself and for 

 the proper development of the foetus. Then, too, at the 

 birth of the foal, be it mule or horse, the young animal, is 

 deprived of the first milk or colostrum of its mother — a 

 proceeding which in very many cases leads to the speedy 

 death of the foal, in consequence of a peculiar disease 

 attacking the kidneys, and terminating fatally, unless 

 skilled professional assistance is at once obtained. Such 

 is prejudice and custom ! Happily for the peasant's 

 own benefit, these crude notions have been disproved 

 owing to the exertions of MM. Ayrault, Levrier, and other 

 skilful and influential veterinarians in Poitou. 



The young mule figured would grow into a fine animal for 

 draught purposes, and would probably make sixteen hands 

 or more. Young mules may ])e seen that promise better. 



