190 THE HORSE 



much white on the legs also had a large blaze on the face, 

 whilst the others contented themselves with having only 

 the fetlocks, or heels, white. 



Brood Mares. 



The very first and most essential thing in breeding stock 

 of any description is to see that the matrons are of such 

 form that they can produce well-developed offspring, and so 

 far back as the early days of Rome Virgil drew especial 

 notice to this point. In the 3rd chapter of the Georgics 

 and the 49th verse he says : — 



" Seu quis olympiaco miratus prcemia palmo 

 Pascit equos, Seu quis fortes ad aratra juvencos, 

 Corpora prsecipue matrum legat." 



If this is neglected breeding must eventually result in failure. 



A brood mare should be roomy in body, with plenty of 

 length underneath to provide ample room for the growth 

 of the foetus, for a short mare with fore and hind limbs 

 close together, seldom produces a good foal ; and, moreover, 

 one whose genital development is unusually small is to 

 be avoided, unless there is a special desire to have a foal 

 from that particular mare. In addition to being of true 

 conformation a long low mare should be chosen in pre- 

 ference to one that is high on the leg, and a wiry animal 

 rather than a big coarse one. Besides the actual make and 

 shape, any deficiencies in which should, if possible, be 

 counteracted by the stallion being particularly good in those 

 points, other qualities must be duly considered, such as 

 hardiness, good temper, and courage, and most especially 

 that the mare is generous in her work. Hot-tempered, 

 lazy, cowardly, and bad-tempered mares should be avoided, 

 and also such as are bad feeders. All these qualities, good 

 or bad, are very apt indeed to be inherited by the offsprmg, 

 and are equally important in every breed and for every class 

 of work. 



Maiden mares, which have never been covered, should be 

 invariably examined by the stud-groom, as frequently the 



