THE PERCHERON HORSE. 555 



passed the Pyrenees, captured in forays, received as presents, or 

 introduced by Jews, who were then great horse dealers. 



The race of the Prankish Netherlands carried to the south 

 and the largest mares that could be found in Lombardy, were 

 crossed by the southern varieties in breeding places called Haras, 

 modified after a name which was derived from some nation on the 

 Danube, where Garas and Guida denoted both sexes of that 

 animal. 



It was then that the nobility and chivalry of Europe, leading 

 almost a nomad life, in quest of war and adventures, began to pay 

 large prices for tall, fleet and strong horses ; the Christian kings 

 of Oviedo and Leon were often pressed to sell or procure war- 

 horses. 



We find a Pope John applying to the King of Gallicia for 

 " several of the best Mauriscos, which are called in Spain, Al- 

 faraces." These Alfaras or Andalus, were a cross breed of Arab 

 blood upon the black Vandal and other Gothic races, themselves 

 crossed with Roman and the ancient Spanish Calpe studs; which 

 last retained the name of Ginetas, because they were smaller and 

 fit only for light-armed chivalry. 



African and Barbary blood by crossing with the Gothic, like- 

 wise rose in stature, and spread in Navarre to the Garonne. 



These two formed the first well-bred horses in Christian Europe, 

 and the gray being most accessible, probably in consequence 

 of a farther cross with the Gallician Mountain Race, was soon 

 noticed in France by the names of Ferrant, Auferrant and Blanc- 

 ferrant, as they were of different shades of color." 



However the Percheron may have originated, it is at present a 

 race which has been so carefully bred as to become a type (capa- 

 ble of transmitting its character to posterity) superior to the Nor- 

 man in speed, precocity, beauty, endurance, and probably intelli- 

 gence, all most important points for a breeder to seek. 



To the Norman, German, and Canadian blood, our horses have 

 been for many years especially indebted for strength and weight; 

 but as the Percheron possesses the good qualities of all these, and 

 others which are also desirable, it is evident that our stock may be 

 still more improved by careful crossing with this race. 



A number of stallions and mares have been already imported 

 into this country, and wherever we have known of their intro- 

 duction their popularity has been substantial proof of their fitness. 



One of the best bred stallions that we have seen, was imported 

 by John J. Parker, Esq., of Chester County, Pennsylvania, a 

 beautiful dapple gray, with remarkable action for his weight. 



Probably many farmers expecting to raise from scanty low-bred 

 mares, colts as fine as the Percheron sire, will, from the result of 

 48 



