IX.-JAJ\\N. 



[Kioin-'ZuclituiMl HciiiniitinuitrdcrMilitiii-PIVnU'iillc'iStiiiiti-ii,"' by Dr. PiiuIOoIilbci-k, Berlin, l!Mll.] 



Japan has over 2,000,000 horses, the number in 1895 having 

 been 1,530,603, exchisive of the military horses used in the 

 Chino-Japanese war. 



Although Japan is by no means poor in horses, their quality 

 leaves much to be desired. The animals are strong enough 

 in the fore quarters, but weak in the hind quarters; their 

 shoulders are short and abrupt, their chests narrow, and their 

 size ranges only from 13^ to 14i hands; they are, however, 

 tough and enduring, and need little care. 



Of recent years the government has endeavored to improve 

 the breed by introducing American, Hungarian, French, and 

 Persian stallions. As, however, the crossing was done at 

 first without any definite aim, no success was attained, but 

 for the last three years the earnest purpose of securing a 

 medium-size saddle horse has been followed. The best horses 

 come from Yesso. There are at present four studs. 



The obligation has been placed upon officers of the army to 

 keep the number of horses corresponding to their rank. All 

 higher civil officials must, moreover, possess two horses each. 



The Japanese army was increased in 1896, so that by the 

 end of 1899 there were 13 cavalry regiments with 65 squad- 

 rons, and 13 field artillery regiments with 79 batteries (in 1900 

 117 batteries). Great difficulty was experienced in procuring 

 suitable remounts for the increased organization. A horse 

 board is sent yearly to all horse-breeding sections of the 

 country, and also frequently abroad, especially to Australia. 

 Principally i-year-olds were purchased, at a maximum price 

 of $25 each. The greatest difficulty consists in securing strong 

 pack animals for the train service, for which purpose the gov- 

 ernment has recently been making purchases in Australia. 

 Thoroughbreds are now, however, being imported from France 

 in order to improve the home breed. Animals purchased are 

 placed in a remount depot at Tokyo. 



(311) 



