200 REMOUNT SYSTEMS OF FOREIGN ARMIES. 



of French register, and other horses also if deemed necessary, 

 may be allowed oats instead of barley. Draft stallions are 

 allowed 4i pounds oats extra dnring the season. For thirty 

 days at the end of the season, each stallion gets 9 pounds of 

 carrots a day, in addition to the ration. 



In July, August, and September the stallions are exercised 

 only at a walk, and where it is possible baths in salt or fresh 

 water replace grooming every two or three days. During 

 this period an effort is made to treat all troubles caused by 

 the fatigue of the serving season. From October 1 to Janu- 

 ary 31 they are given progressive exercise to reduce fat, which 

 is the chief cause of debility. They are ridden at least two 

 hours a day from 8 to 12 miles. At whatever hour the exer- 

 cise takes place, they are never watered until two hours after 

 coming in. 



Source of Supply. — The stallions for these army studs 

 come from two sources: First, those from the army breed 

 farms in Africa, and second, those bought by horse boards in 

 their regular rounds. When a board buys stallions which it 

 thinks would make good breeders, this fact is noted on their 

 descriptive lists when they are sent to the depots, and when 

 the director makes his inspections he selects from among them 

 the best, which in the next season are given trials. Those 

 not so selected are sent immediately to the troops. Later the 

 director recommends to the inspector general those which he 

 thinks should be transferred permanently to the stallion 

 depots, the number each year being, of course, determined 

 by the appropriations for this purpose. The others are sent 

 to the troops. 



These "trial stallions" are used during the season accord- 

 ing to their maturity. Those 4 years old and some of 5 years 

 serve not oftener than once or twice a week. 



The latest figures are for 1901, and among them the follow- 

 ing are of interest : 



The total number of stallions employed in the army studs 

 was 845, thus divided as to race : 



English tlioroiiglibred 1 



Arabian thoroughbred ^ 79 



A-rab-Baj-bary 104 



Barbary 661 



Total 845 



I 



