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HORSE-BREEDING IN INDIA. 

 By Veterinary-Captain G. Rayment, A.V.D., 

 Assistaut-Superintendent, Horse Breeding Department for 

 the N.-W. Provinces and Rajputana. 

 (Read before the Bombay Natural History Society on 3rd May 1892.) 

 I feel in writing this paper, that I am almost presumptuous iu 

 publishing my opinions on Horse-breeding in India, after an experi- 

 ence extending over only five years of actual work in my department, 

 particularly when there are still amongst us such masters of the 

 subject as Major-General Parrott, Messrs. Hallen and Kettlewell. But 

 with the exception of a few articles in sporting papers, a pamphlet 

 or two, and the reports of the Stud Commission, the ripe experience 

 and knowledge of these gentlemen have never been placed at the 

 disposal of the public. My chief object in bringing this subject 

 before the Society, is to provoke a discussion, and enable us to get 

 at the opinions of practical horsemen and breeders all over India* 

 I therefore trust that nothing in this paper may be taken as spoken 

 ex cathedra, but simply as the opinion of one still a student, and 

 anxious, by comparing his views with those of others, to impart what 

 little knowledge of the subject he may possess, while correcting his 

 own errors, and learning fresh facts from the free discussion which 

 he trusts will follow. 



Considering what a " horsey " nation we are, it is curious how few 

 understand anything of practical Horse-breeding, and how little it 

 is studied scientifically. Patience, time, and money are all required 

 to breed good horses, combined with a special aptitude for the work, 

 great powers of judgment, and practice in the art of matching the 

 mare and stallion. Few possess these qualities ; hence, breeding is 

 frequently "hit or miss," and good horses are produced accidentally 

 instead of being the result of forethought and science. A Thorough- 

 bred, i.e., pure br^d horse, must have five top crosses. Thus, five 

 generations are necessary to get hereditary qualities fixed, or we have 

 no surety that the stock may not throw back. Conformation, colour, 

 temper, cdnstitution, and unsoundnesses of many kinds, or a 

 tendency to them, are hereditary. 



Conformation. — Defects and excellences are both inherited. 

 Crooked legs, toes in or out, straight shoulders, and many others. 



