FRANCE. 259 



the best of them are detailed for work with the stallions. 

 The officers of these companies are employed chiefly in the 

 stud, though they may serve on horse boards. They are 

 sent on frequent inspections of the stallion stations. Those 

 that show most ability are proposed for appointment as 

 "permanent buyers." 



During the season each station is visited, without previous 

 notice, by officers of the depot twice during a month and 

 oftener if necessary. The greatest latitude, however, in this 

 and in all matters is left to the commanding officer of depots. 



Early in January each year, all the noncommissioned offi- 

 cers and privates thought to be capable of taking charge of 

 stations are brought together at each depot and branch and 

 given theoretical and practical instruction in their functions. 

 Conditions under which a stallion should be used for serving, 

 kind of stallion to be used for registered mares, etc., and 

 everything else possible for their instruction on this detached 

 service is taught. 



The service of stallions in all the army studs is absolutely 

 gratuitous. All horse raisers, European or native, have a 

 right to these services without discrimination. However, 

 light-draft mares of European blood are not to be served ex- 

 cept by Barbary or Arabian stallions chosen among those of 

 stocky build. Registered mares are served only by stallions 

 registered in the Algerian stud book or thoroughbred stal- 

 lions of French register. Each locality is obliged (through 

 its civil and military authorities) to furnish stable and hous- 

 ing for men and horses during the serving season. If in any 

 locality such accommodations are not supplied, or are not 

 satisfactory, no station is established there. The season be- 

 gins on January 15. The service of the mares begins at each 

 station four days after the arrival of the stallions, and lasts 

 till the 15th or sometimes the 30th of June. Generally speak- 

 ing, service is made by each horse once a day, in the morning 

 preferably, though some horses may be allowed to serve 

 twice in the same day. All stallions, without exception, 

 have one day of rest in the week. 



Grooming and Forage. — The stallions are generally 

 groomed but once a day, usually in the evening; but they 

 are rubbed down before and after exercise. After grooming 

 they are watered and then fed oats and barley. 



The ration for a . stallion is as follows : Hay, 6i pounds ; 

 straw, 11 pounds; oats or barley, 11 pounds. All stallions 



