AND OTHER SKETCHES 175 



stylish well-bred sire having speed, he can reasonably 

 rely upon securing stock which, even if not gifted with 

 exceptional speed, will possess the necessary quality and 

 style to command a highly remunerative price in the 

 market. 



The heavy demands upon Mr. Sinclair's time, through 

 his railroad contracting business, compelled him to relin- 

 quish the breeding of the light harness horse. It was to 

 him a fascinating occupation and his withdrawal was a 

 distinct loss to Canadian horse-breeding interests. 



Every now and then a scare is started about the decad- 

 ence of the horse. First the bicycle, next the automobile 

 was to drive him off the road. Yet to-day handsome, well- 

 bred animals, whether for carriage, saddle or ordinary 

 driving purposes, never commanded a better price, but it 

 is a noteworthy fact that the advertising columns of many 

 newspapers are crowded with advertisements of autos for 

 sale. I do not mean to imply that the latter class of 

 vehicle has not its use, but I do unhesitating assert that 

 any vehicle which costs $1,000 a year to keep in repair 

 and for supplies, is not an article that will ever supplant 

 the horse in public favor. To those who can afford the 

 expense of a chauffeur the annual outlay would be vastly 

 increased, so that the modern juggernaut is a costly lux- 

 ury which can only be enjoyed by those possessing ample 

 wealth. 



