LIGHT DRAUGHT HORSES. 115 



previously explained, is that for service in a Northern zone with 

 reverse seasons to their own, they require a certain amount of 

 acclimatisation. Shipments direct from Australia to France 

 were tried in the early days of the War, but as will be readily 

 realised the long sea journey in addition to service in a country 

 of reverse season militated against the success of an immediate 

 issue. Under such circumstances the best course is to hold 

 them in India for acclimatisation. I need not say that this is 

 fully known and appreciated. 



India is not in a position to breed horses of a light draught 

 type suitable for Artillery purposes. Its climate is hot and 

 enei-vating, and it lacks the green grass of pastures essential for 

 the growth of young stock. An attempt was made some years 

 ago, by the introduction of Norfolk Trotters to increase the size 

 and substance of animals which, with Arab crossing, might 

 produce remounts suitable for Artillery purposes ; but the result 

 was a failure. Much controversy on the subject ensued, but 

 the crux of the matter lay in the unsuitability of the country to 

 raise anything but light Cavalry horses, and those of pony class. 

 Yet in a good grass country like Australia, Norfolk Trotter 

 crosses with Thoroughbreds have produced very good Artillery 

 horses of the Horse Artillery class, and chargers. The 

 progenitor of the Turanville Stud, New South Wales (brand 

 a.R., Mr. Thomas Cook) was a splendid Norfolk Trotter, by 

 name " Flying Shales." His successor was "Warwick Shales" 

 out of a Thoroughbred mare by "Warwick." Their stock put 

 to Thoroughbred stallions of good strains have produced 

 numbers of remounts for our Horse Artillery in India. The 

 Anglo-Normands and Postier Bretons of the French Artillery 

 are of mixed Norfolk Trotter blood. The merit and suitability 

 of any particular breed therefore greatly depends on the country 

 of production, and it is equally true of all animals, whether 

 draught or saddle. 



The original Canadian Divisions brought over to France some 

 very useful horses of Canadian extraction, and they did well. 

 They were mixed strains of English, Continental and American 

 horses. Canada maintains its Clydesdale and Shire Horse 

 Societies, as in England, but with the growth of the country in 

 recent years, particularly in the West, Canada imported from 



