566 THE HORSE. 



their own ignorance of nature's laws, condemn the use of very 

 large stallions. 



Experience has shown that the small Arab horse, crossed with 

 a mare of fair size and good physical development, will produce 

 horses larger than either parent, provided the colts are generously 

 fed and well cared for until maturity ; there being apparently a 

 tendency in the Arabian blood to reassume an aboriginal condition, 

 which it had lost through influences bearing upon it for ages un- 

 favorable to great development of structure. 



In the formation of such a race as the Percheron, the Eastern 

 blood has imparted a limited amount of nerve-power to the cold 

 lymphatic temperament of the North ; that is, the cross does not 

 contain as much of vigor as the Eastern element, but is modified 

 by the mixture, hence it cannot bear much deterioration. 



We must, therefore, remember that in using large stallions of 

 this character with mares deficient in nerve and physical power, 

 we supply too little stamina for the increased structural develop- 

 ment of the progeny, the dam having barely sufficient for its own 

 scanty organism, and the sire none to spare. 



A long-continued course of such breeding will inevitably pro- 

 duce long-legged horses with weak lungs and insufficient consti- 

 tution, devoid of beauty, and a disgrace to the breeder. Such a 

 stock can only be improved by more Eastern blood. 



But by selecting mares of good size, and pretty well-bred (of 

 which we have plenty), carefully attending to results, and making 

 available " good hits " with a view to permanent improvement, 

 these Percheron horses will undoubtedly be a great acquisition to 

 our country, and their importation should be encouraged. 



The war now devastating France, which will probably change 

 the geographical features of the country, will also have its effect 

 upon the equine race of that section of Europe. German stock 

 will be left in Perche, and Percheron stock will be carried to Ger- 

 many. What particular characteristics will be developed in the 

 future generations of the horses of La Perche must be left to the 

 eccentricities of humanity. 



