that are conducted by methods that keep pace with the times and 

 existing conditions are in a flourishing condition. 



If we read the scanty accounts on horse-breeding in the 17th 

 Century correctly, we find that besides all the praiseworthy methods 

 of selecting good sires and the grading of brood mares the feeding 

 problem has been a fundamental one; 



Referring again to Lichtenstein 's accounts we find that the best 

 studs were those where crops were I'aised and that undoubtedly 

 extra feeds were supplied if they were required — which do not seem 

 to have been the case of considering the extent of new and fresh pas- 

 tures. Remarking on the studs in the South he mentions that" Euro- 

 pean grasses are cultivated with great success and especially does 

 lucerne do well. Lucerne fields frequently yield eight cuttings dur- 

 ing the season." 



It may incidentally be mentioned here that this particular 

 region has its rainy season during the winter months. It is a mild 

 winter. Forage and good pastures abound and even during the 

 summer months there is sufficient rainfall to keep the pastures and 

 forage crops in good condition. The same conditions exist for the 

 districts of Mantagu, Robertson and Caledon lying South East of 

 the Cape Peninsula, and containing some very valuable studs. 



The northern and north eastern districts and all the rest have 

 their rainy season during the summer. They are semi-arid regions 

 and the winter although a snowless one is fairly severe and the pas- 

 tures are withered up and of poor nourishing value. Still these 

 plateau regions with its dry air and rich lime formations are the 

 best horse-breeding districts. 



The northern studs in the Hantam district were situated along 

 never failing brooks or fountains, the soils of which were rich and 

 the grass very nourishing. The flat-topped hills also afford im- 

 munity to the horses during the season when ' ' horse-sickness ' ' pre- 

 vails. With few exceptions these localities are the best horse-breed- 

 ing districts. The stud "Grote Toorn" which was famous then 

 and consisted of "over 300 breeding horses and some of the best 

 English and Arabian Stallions, "is still perhaps the most famous stud 

 to-day. It is now owned by Sir Abe Bailey and some of South 

 Africa's most famous runners are bred here. 



The method in practice here and typical for all the other great 

 breeders of this district which holds more of these rich farmers 



Co 



