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want of money, are forced to sell their studs. Never buy in Egypt, 

 where Arab horses are a comparatively recent introduction — about 

 the time of the expedition at Ibrahim into Syria, at the time of 

 Mehemet Ali. Arab horses do not seem to do well there, and I 

 have never known any Arab horses coming from Egypt to prove 

 good reproducers. 



The first result obtained through the Arab crossing will certainly 

 cause some disappointment, but close your eyes on this beginning 

 and wait patiently the result of the second crossing. The Arab, 

 raised in a barren country, on poor food, when transplanted to a 

 rich and fertile soil, takes Hesh very rapidly and soon assumes some- 

 what the appearance of a sheep, the legs looking too small for the 

 body. But have patience ; with the second generation all this fat 

 disappears, the body again assumes its natural shape, the muscles 

 develop, and the animal shows a conformation of distinction, style, 

 and elegance, while retaining its gentle, honest nature and aptitude 

 for work — qualities that cannot be found in the English Thorough- 

 bred, a horse exceptionably nervous and impressionable. 



I prefer the Percheron horse above all others, and I would be 

 happy to see your people buy only Percherons. The best specimens 

 are to be found around Mortagne, in the department of Orne. Those 

 around Nogent-le-Rotrou and Le Ferte-Bernard are raised in the 

 fertile valley of Huisne, and consequently are not so hardy and well 

 muscled as the others. The latter do not do as much work as those 

 raised around Mortagne, and do not have the same endurance as 

 animals that are fed and worked on oats. I prefer the first mentioned. 

 The Canton of Mondoubleau is also famed for its Percherons, but I 

 place it second to Mortagne. 



I would like l^ talk longer with you upon this subject, but the 

 time is short in which to catch the mail boat with this letter, therefore 

 I must close. To be brief and avoid repetition, I beg you will read 

 pages 32 to 37 of the little book, " Culture en Famille," of which 

 you kindly accepted a copy, and wherein I speak of in-and-in 

 breeding. 



I am, with very sincere respect, Mr. President, 



Your obedient servant, 



[Signed! Charles Du'^Hays. 



Paris, Rue Casimer Perier No. 4, Aug. 17, 1887. 

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