466 The American Thoroughbred 



season of 1903, Waterboy is by imported Water- 

 cress, Hermis by imported Hermence, Africander 

 by imported Star Ruby, and Irish Lad by im- 

 ported Candlemas. Highball is by imported Ben 

 Strom. Broomstick by Ben Brush, McChesney 

 by Macduff, and Hamburg Belle by Hamburg 

 were the only notable ones of the year to be sired 

 by American horses. It is still the habit of the 

 breeders of America to go to England for both 

 sires and dams, that they may get proper out- 

 crosses for the native blood of America. Climatic 

 change and new environment seem to make this 

 necessary, that the American horse may not dete- 

 riorate. Indeed, it is the exercise of such wisdom 

 that has probably been more potent than any 

 other influence in bringing the American race- 

 horse to that high state of perfection which is 

 now his. 



It is doubtful if upon the face of the earth 

 there exists an animal better suited to the pur- 

 poses of the turf or the saddle than the American 

 thoroughbred as he stands to-day. He is a horse 

 of the most splendid courage. Individually he is 

 goodly to the eye. Speed he has, and stamina is 

 within him. He can go short distances at high 

 flights, and he can compass longer routes with 



