CART-HORSES 119 



It is curious to reflect that there is an affinity between the 

 massive Shire and the elegant Eastern horse in that the 

 distinct depression in front of the eye-sockets, for the face- 

 gland, appears in each. It is, however, accounted for by 

 remembering that the Great Horse at one time was crossed, 

 with Neapolitan and Flanders horses, who had Barb blood 

 in their veins, and to this no doubt the Shires owe this 

 unique distinction amongst coarse-bred horses. 



The Shire Horse Society has this year (1911) issued from 

 its office, 12, Hanover Square, London, the thirty-second 

 volume of its Stud Book, which shows 4,676 new entries, 

 comprising 1,090 stallions and 3,586 mares — surely con- 

 clusive evidence of its vitality and practical use. And a 

 good sign is that many of the entries are made by tenant 

 farmers ; though future prospects under recent legislation 

 may well give rise to anxiety, with the break-up of so many 

 great estates, and the consequent withdrawal of the help 

 and assistance of the hereditary landlords, which have been 

 so invaluable in the times that have passed. The total 

 number of registered stallions is now 28,954, and of mares 

 65,530, a most gratifying record, testifying to the wisdom 

 of the original founders of the Society, and the ability of 

 those who have looked after its interests since its formation. 



Clydesdales. 



Clydesdales, which emanate from the valley of the Clyde 

 in Lanarkshire in Scotland, represent a lighter type of cart- 

 horse than the massive Shire, and should be altogether more 

 active in appearance, being able to trot when occasion 

 requires. It is partly from a cross between blood-horses 

 and mares of the stamp of Clydesdales that the animal 

 is produced which is in request for drawing that form of 

 torture to the nerves of the town-dweller, the tradesman's 

 spring-lorry, which, when empty and drawn at a trot, seems 

 to shake loose every tooth in the head of the unfortunate 

 passer-by. The Clydesdale, however, is not answerable for 

 this, only the driver, who forgets that oil and cart grease 

 are cheap, that leather washers are easily obtained, and that 



